Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Lesotho Times
Published on 2024-03-21 11:53:25
Former Police Commissioner, Holomo Molibeli, and his ally, Thabiso Moroahae of Tholo Energy, are seeking to have the Lesotho Times newspaper banned from operating. They claim that the newspaper is operating illegally and should not be allowed to circulate. Molibeli will be bringing an application to the High Court to close down the newspaper, citing a law from 1967 that requires newspapers to have a license to operate.
The Lesotho Times has been in operation for nearly two decades and is a well-established news outlet in the nation. Molibeli and Moroahae’s sudden desire to have the newspaper shut down seems to be in response to recent reporting on Molibeli’s involvement in a fraud case worth M40 million. Moroahae is also demanding M20 million for alleged defamation.
The stories published by the Lesotho Times on the fraud case are based on court proceedings, yet Moroahae has taken steps to ban the newspaper from being sold in his fuel stations. The allegations made by Molibeli and Moroahae are seen as an attempt to silence the media rather than address the issues raised in the reporting.
Malerato Kutlisi, implicated in the fraud case, has retaliated by alleging that the money was stolen by Moroahae from Letseng Mine and that Molibeli helped cover up the crime. She claims to be a scapegoat in the case. Despite these serious accusations, Molibeli denies any involvement and is seeking to have the Lesotho Times shut down for allegedly operating illegally.
In a letter from Moroahae’s lawyers, they demand a retraction of a story that they claim has defamed him and threaten to sue for M20 million if their demands are not met. The Lesotho Times has refused to comply with the demands and will face Molibeli in court.
The Lesotho Times has a history of criticizing Molibeli during his time as police commissioner for what they perceive as incompetence in handling crime under his leadership. The newspaper remains committed to providing independent reporting and will continue to stand by its coverage of important issues, despite legal threats and attempts to suppress its operations.
Read the original article on Lesotho Times
