Maseru – A formal motion has been filed in Lesotho’s National Assembly seeking the establishment of an ad hoc parliamentary committee to investigate explosive allegations made by South Africa’s Mineral Resources Minister Gwede Mantashe that Prime Minister Sam Matekane held a meeting with illegal miners known as zama zamas.
The motion, submitted on Thursday by Member of Parliament Machesetsa Mofomobe, calls on Parliament to urgently institute a special committee to probe what it describes as “serious allegations” with potential implications for Lesotho’s national integrity, diplomatic standing, and constitutional order.
Parliament asked to investigate protocol breach
According to the Notice of Motion dated 26 February 2026, the proposed committee would investigate claims that the Prime Minister not only met with illegal miners operating in South Africa but also allegedly bypassed established diplomatic and government protocol channels.
The motion states:
“This honourable house resolves to establish an ad hoc committee to investigate serious allegations made by the Minister of Mining and Mineral Resources of the Republic of South Africa… who alleged that the Prime Minister of Lesotho held a meeting with illegal miners… and furthermore, the Prime Minister broke the protocol channels.”
If adopted, the committee would have the authority to examine the facts, summon witnesses, and report its findings back to Parliament.
Allegations trigger political and diplomatic shockwaves
The development follows remarks made earlier this week by Minister Mantashe before South Africa’s parliamentary portfolio committee, where he accused Prime Minister Matekane of engaging with illegal miners linked to violence, economic sabotage, and criminal activity in South Africa’s mining sector.
The allegations have already triggered widespread public debate and raised urgent questions about Lesotho’s diplomatic conduct, national security, and the integrity of the Prime Minister’s office.
High political stakes
This motion represents a major escalation, formally moving the matter from political accusation into a parliamentary accountability process.
If Parliament approves the motion, it would mark one of the most serious investigations ever initiated into a sitting Prime Minister in Lesotho’s recent democratic history.
The motion must now be debated and voted on by Members of the National Assembly. If passed, the ad hoc committee will be formally established and begin its investigation.
Related story https://lesothotribune.co.ls/south-african-minister-accuses-lesotho-prime-minister-of-meeting-illegal-miners/
