High Court warns Lebollo is being hijacked by gangsters

The High Court has raised serious concern over growing gangsterism linked to initiation schools, commonly known as Lebollo, warning that the cultural practice is being abused by some groups who use it to promote violence and crime.

Justice ‘Mabatšoeneng Hlaele made the remarks during the sentencing of two Roma men, Tšepo Tabola and Motsie Mochesane, who were convicted of murdering Molojoa Mabokoane in 2020.

The murder followed a violent dispute connected to a stick-fighting game during an initiation ceremony. According to evidence presented before the court, tensions escalated after the deceased allegedly shot Mochesane during the altercation. The conflict later ended in Mabokoane’s death.

While delivering judgment, Justice Hlaele stressed that the court fully respects Lebollo and its cultural significance within Basotho society. She said initiation schools have historically played an important role in shaping responsible men and women in the community.

The judge explained that initiation is widely recognised as a rite of passage that marks the transition from childhood to adulthood. She said the tradition is meant to teach young people about responsibility, discipline, respect, family values and service to the nation.

Justice Hlaele noted that many scholars and cultural experts describe initiation as an important form of indigenous education that helps preserve Basotho identity and traditions. She said the process is designed to guide young people through cultural and moral development under the supervision of responsible adults within society.

However, the judge expressed disappointment that some initiation-related groups have drifted away from the true purpose of the practice. She said the growing involvement of initiation graduates in violent gangs and criminal activities is damaging both society and the image of Lebollo itself.

According to Justice Hlaele, some initiation schools have become commercialised and are now operating more like business enterprises than cultural institutions focused on moral development.

She warned that the rise of factional groups linked to initiation schools is contributing to violence in communities and creating fear among the public. The judge further stated that criminal activities committed in the name of manhood or initiation teachings cannot be accepted.

She said the accused had desecrated the sacred values of Lebollo by using lessons associated with manhood and bravery to commit serious crimes. Justice Hlaele added that true manhood should never be measured through violence, intimidation or the taking of innocent lives.

She also warned that society is increasingly beginning to associate initiation schools with criminal behaviour, a perception the judge said threatens the dignity and cultural value of Lebollo, which has for generations been respected as an important Basotho tradition.

Justice Hlaele stressed that the courts will not tolerate gang formations or violent factionalism connected to initiation schools. She said cultural practices must always operate within the boundaries of the law and should contribute positively to the development of society rather than promoting fear and violence.

The comments come at a time when public concern over violence linked to initiation schools continues to grow across Lesotho. In recent years, there have been repeated reports of clashes between rival initiation groups, assaults, intimidation and even killings associated with initiation-related disputes.

Some community members, church leaders and civil society organisations have repeatedly called for stronger regulation of initiation schools to protect lives and restore dignity to the practice. Others argue that efforts should focus on restoring the original purpose of initiation and ensuring that those who abuse the tradition are held accountable.

Justice Hlaele’s remarks are likely to spark further debate on the future of initiation schools in Lesotho and the balance between protecting cultural traditions and enforcing the rule of law.

For many observers, the case highlights the urgent need to separate cultural values from criminal behaviour and to ensure that Lebollo remains a source of pride rather than fear within Basotho society.