AGP Executive Report

High Court Bail Ruling: Lesotho’s High Court refused bail to Foliki Makhutle, accused of murdering LeNMO secretary-general Morephe Santi, citing risks of witness interference and prejudice to the Crown’s case. Justice System Overhaul: Government, with EU support, launched a Justice Sector Coordination Forum to improve coordination across the justice chain and speed up case flow. Labour Dispute Probe: Trade and Industry Minister Motlatsi Maqelepo ordered the LNDC to investigate Precious Garments after workers protested reduced hours, wages and delayed payments, saying the ministry needs real-time factory updates. Digital Airtime Push: Vodacom Lesotho launched “Dynamic Airtime,” letting customers buy airtime electronically from as little as M1.50 without physical recharge vouchers. Cannabis Seizure Reversed: The LMPS returned a 500kg medicinal cannabis consignment worth over M1.2 million after a High Court ruling that the seizure and detention were unlawful. Independence Drive 1,000: Sechaba Milling and ZMG Isuzu launched a 1,000km expedition across all 10 districts to mark Lesotho’s 60th Independence anniversary. Regional Courts Appointments: Two Lesotho judges were appointed acting judges of Namibia’s Supreme Court, starting September. Tourism Context: South Africa’s tourism recovery remains strong, with 5.6 million international arrivals in the first half of 2026, with Lesotho among key SADC contributors.

Justice System Overhaul: Lesotho has launched a fresh bid to fix its “troubled” justice system, creating a Justice Sector Coordination Forum to improve coordination across the judiciary, police, prosecution, corrections, anti-corruption bodies and Legal Aid. Labour Unrest Probe: Trade minister Motlatsi Maqelepo ordered the LNDC to investigate Precious Garments after workers protested reduced working hours, delayed pay and short-time arrangements, saying the ministry needs real-time updates on factory changes. Justice Appointments: Two Lesotho judges—Realeboha Mathaba and Polo Banyane—have been appointed as acting judges of Namibia’s Supreme Court, alongside other acting High Court appointments. Justice and Accountability: The Public Accounts Committee ordered the Ministry of Health to verify the academic credentials of a Queen ‘Mamohato Memorial Hospital pediatric head after concerns about inconsistencies in his documents. Police Cannabis Return: The High Court ordered the LMPS to return a 500kg medicinal cannabis consignment worth over M1.2m after ruling the seizure and detention were unlawful. Digital Airtime Push: Vodacom Lesotho launched Dynamic Airtime, letting customers buy airtime electronically from as low as M1.50 without physical recharge vouchers. Tourism Gap Admitted: Government says it failed to fully harness tourism and economic opportunities created by the Lesotho Highlands Water Project, despite meeting key treaty obligations. Sports—AFCON Qualifiers: CAF confirmed the 2027 AFCON qualifiers schedule, with Lesotho set to play Morocco in the opening rounds. Health Recall: Woolworths recalled WBeauty Complete Clarifying Shampoo after a bacterium was found in a limited batch sold across several countries including Lesotho.

Parliament Oversight: Lesotho’s Public Accounts Committee ordered the Ministry of Health to verify the academic credentials of Queen ‘Mamohato Memorial Hospital pediatric head Dr Tesfay Girmay Teklehaimanot after concerns about inconsistencies in his documents. Anti-Corruption Asset Recovery: The Directorate on Corruption and Economic Offences placed a property worth about M6.33 million under a preservation order as part of an asset-recovery process linked to Legae Holdings officials. Tourism Push Missed: Government admitted it has not fully harnessed tourism and economic opportunities created by the Lesotho Highlands Water Project, saying more should be done beyond hotels to develop attractions and community benefits. Digital Inclusion: Vodacom Lesotho launched “Dynamic Airtime,” letting customers buy airtime electronically in amounts as low as M1.50 without physical vouchers. Diplomacy: Kuwait’s foreign minister met Lesotho’s counterpart to discuss bilateral cooperation and regional developments. Public Health Recall: Woolworths recalled WBeauty Complete Clarifying Shampoo after a bacterium was found in a tested batch; the product was sold across several countries including Lesotho. Sports (Regional): COSAFA moved the Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations/COSAFA qualifier to Mozambique, with Lesotho drawn in Group B alongside South Africa and Angola.

Economic Crime Training: India’s CBI ran a one-week course on investigating economic offences for 30 officers from 13 ITEC countries, including Lesotho, ending with a valediction at CBI headquarters in New Delhi. Diplomatic Engagement: Lesotho’s FM Limpho Tau met Kuwait’s foreign minister Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah during an official visit, discussing shared interests and regional developments. Parliament & Representation: A new report flags Lesotho’s ongoing representation gap for women and youth in the National Assembly, with youth currently holding just three MPs, all men. Local Business & Jobs: The CAFI project continues to back Basotho enterprises, while a Wool and Mohair Roadshow will tour five districts starting September 11 to boost value addition and entrepreneurship. Public Safety & Accountability: A priest alleges rape by a Prime Minister’s adviser at State House, saying police have taken no action for more than two months. Regional Football: COSAFA moved the Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations/COSAFA qualifier to Mozambique; Lesotho are drawn in Group B alongside South Africa and Angola. Consumer Alert: Woolworths recalled a clarifying shampoo sold in South Africa, Botswana, Lesotho and Eswatini after it tested positive for a rod-shaped bacterium linked to rare infections in vulnerable people.

Silicosis and TB payouts: The Tshiamiso Trust says it has paid about R2.5bn so far, but advocates warn only around 23,000 of roughly 500,000 potential claimants have received compensation, with thousands in Lesotho still untraceable. Parliament tensions: The Asoli Progressive Party has urged President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah to intervene over “chaos” in the National Assembly, after a no-confidence motion against the speaker and complaints of disruptions and delays in passing bills. Local jobs push: A Wool and Mohair Roadshow will tour Berea, Leribe, Thaba-Tseka, Mohale’s Hoek and Maseru to promote skills, entrepreneurship and value addition in the sector. Serious allegation at State House: A priest alleges rape by a Prime Minister’s adviser inside State House, saying police have taken no action for more than two months. Trade and diplomacy: Lesotho’s Prime Minister met new envoys from Ghana, Canada and Germany to discuss economic cooperation, including clean energy and bottled water exports. Youth and women representation: A parliamentary official says women remain underrepresented in the National Assembly, with youth even lower, as Lesotho’s democracy faces a representation gap. Anti-trafficking drive: IOM is intensifying awareness and training with Lesotho officials to strengthen action against trafficking in persons.

Lesotho Politics & Representation: Lesotho’s democracy still struggles with a representation gap for women and youth in Parliament, with youth currently holding just three seats and all of them held by men, raising concerns that key issues affecting women and young people may not get enough attention. Diplomacy & Trade: Ghana, Canada and Germany’s high commissioners-designate met Prime Minister Ntsokoane Matekane to discuss deeper economic cooperation, including clean energy, Lesotho’s bottled water exports and new investment opportunities. Youth, Jobs & Enterprise: The Trade and Industry Ministry says strengthening Lesotho’s textile and apparel value chain is key to growing participation in local and global markets, while CAFI-supported enterprises are urged to scale sustainably and create jobs. Development & Migration Risks: IOM is stepping up anti-trafficking awareness in Berea, training stakeholders to better identify, investigate and prosecute trafficking cases and to support victims across Lesotho’s districts. Agriculture Innovation: Aeroponics is being promoted as a year-round, soil-free farming option for Lesotho, with young people encouraged to treat farming as a business tied to markets and marketing. Health Promotion: The Health Ministry will close an oral health awareness campaign in Leribe, targeting tooth decay and gum disease and linking mouth health to wider conditions like diabetes and heart disease. Regional Context: South Africa’s illegal mining continues to damage infrastructure and fuel violence, while SA weather warnings also flag possible snowfall impacts in Lesotho’s high areas.

Kilimanjaro Challenge: Six women from Bloemfontein’s Maoto Mpepe Hiking Club are set to climb Mount Kilimanjaro from 22 September to 4 October, with training boosted by high-altitude hikes in Lesotho and the Free State. Lesotho Royal Spotlight: Princess Senate Seeiso has been appointed a UNDP National Goodwill Ambassador, focusing on equality, women’s issues, decent work and sustainable development. Voter Turnout Warning: A SADC report says only 35.44% of registered voters turned out in Lesotho’s 2022 elections, citing civic education gaps and administrative problems at polling stations. Anti-Trafficking Push: IOM is intensifying trafficking-in-persons awareness and training in Berea, strengthening law enforcement, the judiciary and survivor support across Lesotho’s districts. Bail Denied in Nurses Association Murder Case: Lesotho’s High Court refused bail for Foliki Makhutle, saying releasing him could jeopardise the case and witnesses. Weather Watch: SAWS issued Yellow Level 4 warnings for disruptive rain and damaging winds, with possible snowfall in high areas of Lesotho. Digital Infrastructure Boost: WIOCC secured $300m to expand Africa’s fibre, data centres and subsea connectivity, with Lesotho Communications Authority listed among shareholders.

UNDP & Royal Appointment: Lesotho’s Princess Senate Seeiso has been appointed a UNDP National Goodwill Ambassador, with a focus on equality, sustainable development, women’s issues, decent work and social inclusion. Election Integrity: A SADC report says fewer than half of registered voters turned out in Lesotho’s 2022 elections, citing voter education gaps and administrative problems at polling stations. Human Trafficking Push: The IOM is stepping up efforts against trafficking in persons in Lesotho, training and coordinating with law enforcement, the judiciary and service providers across all 10 districts. Food Security & Farmers: Lesotho’s Disaster Management Authority will register grain from Basotho farmers under the Local Purchase Programme until Sept 4, then buy grain from Sept 9–18, with clear bagging and documentation rules. Health Awareness: The Ministry of Health will close Lesotho’s Oral Health Awareness campaign in Leribe, targeting rising dental disease and limited access to care. Agriculture Innovation: Aeroponics is being promoted as a year-round, soil-free farming option for Lesotho, with guidance aimed at young people treating farming as a business. Weather Watch: A cut-off low is expected to bring disruptive rain and damaging winds to South Africa, with possible snowfall in high-lying areas of Lesotho—drivers are urged to stay alert. Crime & Community: CRROA held a men’s dialogue in Mafeteng urging men to manage anger and avoid violence, linking prevention to safer reintegration of ex-offenders.

Illegal Mining Fallout: Johannesburg’s infrastructure is being undermined by round-the-clock zama zamas, with roads collapsing and residents reporting tremors, sinkholes and rising violence linked to gang competition. Weather Watch for Lesotho: South Africa’s SAWS issued Yellow Level 4 warnings for disruptive rain, damaging winds and possible snowfall on the Drakensberg, with conditions expected to spill into Lesotho—motorists on mountain passes are urged to stay alert. High Court Bail Denied: Lesotho’s High Court refused bail for Foliki Makhutle, accused of murdering Lesotho Nurses Association secretary-general Morephe Santi, citing risks of witness intimidation and interference. Transport Safety: The National Consumer Commission in South Africa announced a recall of 2,275 Ford Ranger Double Cabs over a side-curtain airbag/B-pillar trim defect; affected vehicles sold locally and exported to Lesotho must be inspected and repaired at no cost. Health & Community: Lesotho’s Oral Health Awareness campaign closes in Leribe, while an event in Maseru backed by UNDP and Econet Telecom Lesotho used creativity to tackle GBV, substance abuse and mental health. Food Support: Lesotho’s DMA will register grain from Basotho farmers under the Local Purchase Programme until Sept 4, with purchasing planned for Sept 9–18.

Male Midwives in Lesotho: In Mohale’s Hoek, a growing number of men are training as midwives to help cut deaths around childbirth, challenging the idea that midwifery is only women’s work. Court Update: The High Court in Maseru denied bail to Foliki Makhutle, accused of murdering Morephe Santi, secretary-general of the Lesotho Nurses Association, citing risks of witness interference. Road Safety Recall: The National Consumer Commission says 2,275 Ford Ranger Double Cabs (including some exported to Lesotho) face an airbag defect and urges owners to get free inspections and repairs. Local Economy & Jobs: Workers at Precious Garments in Maseru staged a strike over unpaid wages, reduced hours and claims production was shifted to cheaper factories. Food Support: Lesotho’s Disaster Management Authority opens registration for grain under the Local Purchase Programme, with purchases planned after registration ends on Sept 4. Education & Protection: The Ministry of Education and Training rolls out Safe and Inclusive Schools in 300 primary schools to prevent and respond to violence against learners. US Visa Changes (Maseru listed): The US Embassy says routine visa processing moved to regional hubs, but diplomatic and official visas are still handled in Abuja for eligible applicants.

Car Safety Recall: The National Consumer Commission has urged Ford Ranger Double Cab owners to get urgent checks after a recall covering 2,275 vehicles (2026–2027 models) over a side-curtain airbag fault that could stop deployment or send a B-pillar trim piece flying; repairs will be done free of charge, and some affected bakkies were exported to Lesotho, Botswana, Namibia and Eswatini. Water Project Court Fight: A South African firm, Esor Construction, has taken Lesotho High Court action seeking about M165-million over alleged unpaid work linked to the Polihali Transfer Tunnel under the Lesotho Highlands Water Project. Traditional Medicine Protection: Traditional doctors in Lesotho are calling for stronger protection of indigenous medicinal plants and more investment in research and development to support universal health coverage. Labour Unrest: Precious Garments workers in Maseru have staged a strike over unpaid wages, reduced hours, and claims that production is being shifted to cheaper factories. Schools Violence Prevention: The Ministry of Education is rolling out Safe and Inclusive Schools in 300 primary schools to train staff, strengthen reporting, and improve child protection responses. Digital Health Push: Lesotho’s Digital Innovators Summit 2026 highlighted how AI and digital tools can reshape healthcare delivery and training. Power Upgrade in Semonkong: Prime Minister Samuel Matekane launched an upgraded hydropower station meant to supply reliable electricity through the night, ending years of solar and diesel reliance. Football Business Deal: LeFA has partnered with Radisol Global Investments to grow commercial revenue around Lesotho football while keeping governance in LeFA’s hands. Sports Spotlight: Lesotho’s Tebello Ramakongoana finished third at the Sydney Marathon in 2:04:57, narrowly missing a higher place in a record-breaking men’s race won by Ethiopia’s Addisu Gobena.

Sports Spotlight: Ethiopia’s Addisu Gobena smashed the Sydney Marathon course record to win in 2:04:42, with Lesotho’s Tebello Ramakongoana taking third in 2:04:57, while Kenya’s Peres Jepchirchir dominated the women’s race in 2:18:31. Health & Society: Male midwives in Lesotho are slowly gaining acceptance as the country tackles rural staffing gaps and high childbirth risk; one midwife, Ntlhane Sehloho, says he travels hours to serve pregnant women and that women can request female staff if they feel uncomfortable. Local Justice: A Maseru court sentenced Tsebang Ramoholi to an effective 10 years for posing as a Ministry of Health official and defrauding job seekers. Governance & Development: China handed ICT equipment to Lesotho Parliament to support online work and service delivery, and Prime Minister Samuel Matekane launched an upgraded Semonkong hydropower station aimed at reliable power through the night. Business & Football: LeFA announced a strategic partnership with Radisol Global Investments to grow football’s commercial revenue while keeping governance in LeFA’s hands.

Courts & Corruption: A Maseru Magistrate’s Court sentenced Tsebang Ramoholi to an effective 10 years for posing as a Ministry of Health official and defrauding job seekers. Justice System: The High Court ordered the arrest of Teboho Tšolo, accused of murdering former Bantu FC official Panyane Phiri, after he failed to appear in court. Energy & Power Supply: Prime Minister Samuel Matekane launched an upgraded hydropower station in Semonkong, promising more reliable electricity and ending years of night-time reliance on solar and diesel. Development Finance: The Trade Minister and LNDC pushed a new blended-finance approach to attract capital as government funds and cheap donor loans get harder to secure. Governance & Oversight: The Auditor General appointed PKF Consult to audit the Lesotho Electricity Company, raising fresh independence concerns after a PKF owner-director joined the LEC board. Politics & Security Claims: BNP leader Machesetsa Mofomobe asked the Madlanga Commission to test whether “Cat” Matlala’s Lesotho security links to the Prime Minister fall within the inquiry’s scope. Sports: Lesotho’s Tebello Ramakongoana finished third as Ethiopia’s Addisu Gobena smashed the Sydney Marathon course record; Kenya’s Peres Jepchirchir won the women’s race. International Support: China handed ICT equipment to Lesotho Parliament to help modernise online operations.

Sports Spotlight: Lesotho’s Tebello Ramakongoana won bronze at the Sydney Marathon, finishing third in the women’s race behind Ethiopian and Kenyan winners as Addisu Gobena set a men’s course record. Public Health & Livestock: Zimbabwe’s neighbours are tightening cattle movement rules as foot-and-mouth disease spreads in Matabeleland North and South, with quarantine and veterinary clearance stressed. Lesotho Governance & Implementation: Lesotho will host the AAPAM summit in Maseru from 8–11 December 2026, aiming to close the gap between policy plans and real delivery. Justice & Security: A Maseru Port of Entry warrant officer was arrested in South Africa over an alleged R10,000 bribe/extortion demand; in Lesotho, a BNP leader Machesetsa Mofomobe is fighting his joinder in the M5bn Khubetsoana drug-lab case. Youth & Community: Princess Senate has been appointed UNDP Lesotho National Goodwill Ambassador for Equality and Sustainable Development, while schools are being urged to steer learners away from drugs and gangsterism. Regional Sports Media: DAZN secured LaLiga rights across Sub-Saharan Africa for three seasons, bringing all matches to fans via live and on-demand viewing.

Border Corruption: A 47-year-old warrant officer at the Maseru Port of Entry was arrested for allegedly demanding a R10,000 bribe from a traveller carrying R71,000, threatening money-laundering charges before letting him cross; the case has been handed to the Free State Anti-Corruption Unit. VIP Protection Probe: Prime Minister Sam Matekane denied meeting or doing business with South African crime boss “Cat” Matlala, but confirmed a former private security aide dealt with him about setting up a Lesotho VIP security company. Drug Crackdown: Five foreign nationals, including a Lesotho citizen, were arrested in Gauteng after police uncovered a hydroponic dagga lab worth over R1m, seizing firearms including a .303 rifle and a Glock pistol. Court Developments: Lesotho’s High Court heard a bid for leniency from two LDF members convicted over the Mohale Dam killings; in another case, a sergeant accused of raping a 15-year-old was denied bail. Youth & Community: Princess Senate was appointed UNDP Lesotho National Goodwill Ambassador for Equality and Sustainable Development, while learners at Sefate Sa Bophelo were warned against drugs and gangsterism. Health & Compensation: Tshiamiso Trust says it has paid R2.53bn to 26,300 mineworkers/ dependents in the silicosis and TB settlement, with Lesotho accounting for most successful claims.

Border Corruption: A 47-year-old warrant officer at the Maseru Port of Entry was arrested for allegedly demanding a R10,000 bribe from a traveller after finding R71,000 in cash, threatening money-laundering charges before letting him cross; the case is now with anti-corruption investigators. Drug Case Twist: BNP leader Machesetsa Mofomobe asked the Maseru Magistrate’s Court to drop him from the M5bn Khubetsoana drug laboratory case, saying his joinder was unlawful while a co-accused bid to quash charges is still pending; the prosecution says it can add accused before proceedings start. VIP Security Row: Prime Minister Sam Matekane denied meeting or doing business with South African crime boss “Cat” Matlala, but confirmed a former private security aide dealt with him about setting up a Lesotho VIP protection company. Courtroom Justice: In the long-running PC Mokalekale Khetheng police murder trial, Snr Insp Mathibeli Mofolo was convicted for murder cover-up-related offences while co-accused were acquitted. Public Safety in Schools: Sefate Sa Bophelo learners were warned against drugs and gangsterism in a campaign led by the Probation Unit and LMPS. Health Claims Update: Tshiamiso Trust says it has paid R2.53bn to 26,300 mineworkers and dependents for silicosis and TB, with claims still processing as it enters its final three years. Governance & Implementation: Lesotho will host the 45th AAPAM summit in Maseru (8–11 Dec 2026) focused on closing the gap between policy ambition and real implementation. Youth & Culture: Linotsí launched a Thaba-Bosiu identity and branding initiative to mentor youth through Basotho culture and boost tourism opportunities.