Maseru- The aim of the procession was to give the Hon. Prime Minister Sam Ntsokoane Matekane letter addressing the delayed implementation of section 34 regarding reserved items for indigenous Basotho. However, what was expected to be a peaceful march for Basotho entrepreneurs on 24 May 2024, failed dismally as police arrived heavily armed, threatening and dispersing the masses.
Section 34 of business licensing and registration Act and regulations (Amendment 2021) outlines “provisions aimed at protecting and promoting the economic interests of indigenous Basotho by reserving certain items or sectors exclusively for their participation”. However, the opposite is in practice.
On 17th April 2024, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Association held inaugural of Basotho Business, and where they expressed concerns over increasing presence of foreigners in Lesotho’s business sector. Moreover their main concern comes from lack of enforcement of existing laws designed to address this matter.
’Malitlou Morojele, a businesswoman and member of the Lesotho Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) noted that on Thursday , in what was intended to be a peaceful march for them turned sour as heavy armed police dispersed them, and some of entrepreneurs arrested.
“We were supposed to embark on a peaceful march today, but we faiedl as heavy men in blue threatened us. We had a permit that allowed us to embark on that march, but at a very last minute police dispersed us telling us that we do not have a permit to do march.” Morojele said
Morojele further emphasized that police had no right to ambush them like that as they followed the right procedures to get that permit; at least police owe to give them letter stating that the march is no longer permitted a day before procession, reason being some of the entrepreneurs are from districts.
“Some of the entrepreneurs were from Mokhotlong, I honestly think the police did not do justice to them. We still do not understand why some of us were arrested because that was a peaceful march, we were not destroying anything or fighting anyone, after being dispersed we rushed to court and we were told to start at Minister of police, we rushed to court prematurely.” Morojele noted.
Public meetings and processions Act 2010 section 6 (1) , states that “if the police cancels or deny a procession permit, an applicant may appeal the decision to the Minister of Police, who shall apply his mind within 3 days, if not satisfied the applicant may approach the court.
