Expression
Journalist Ralikonelo Joki killed after radio show
On 14th May 2023 journalist Ralikonelo Joki, known for his investigative reporting on subjects like corruption, government, agriculture, and a breaking a story about five politicians who were illegally trading in alcohol, was tragically shot at least 13 times by unknown assailants. The attack occurred as he was leaving the radio station after presenting his programme "Hlokoana La Tsela" (I Heard it Through the Grapevine).
The journalist received at least three death threats from different Facebook accounts in March and April 2023 related to his work as a journalist. The Lesotho chapter of the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) condemned Joki’s death as a deliberate attempt to silence journalists.
Authorities in Lesotho must thoroughly investigate the killing of Ts’enolo FM host Ralikonelo ‘Leqhashasha’ Joki and ensure those responsible are brought to justice
- Angela Quintal, CPJ’s Africa programme coordinator
Four suspects accused of murdering the journalist were detained and brought to court on 26th June 2023.
#MediaAlert @NewMisa_Lesotho STATEMENT ON THE KILLING OF MR RALIKONELO ‘LEQHASHASHA’ JOKI, A PRESENTER FOR THE TSENOLO FM WHO WAS GUNNED DOWN IN COLD BLOOD ON THE NIGHT OF SUNDAY, 14 MAY 2023#JournalismUnderAttack #JournalismIsNotACrime pic.twitter.com/GuI6FJn2Uh
— MISA Regional (@MISARegional) May 15, 2023
Peaceful Assembly
Following the killing of journalist Ralikonelo Joki on 14th May 2023, authorities imposed an indefinite curfew nationwide in an attempt to curb violent crime. The police commissioner, Holomo Molibeli, said anyone travelling between 10pm and 4am without a police permit would face a fine or up to two years in prison.
Confiscation of placards during peaceful protest by the Lesotho Defence Force (LDF)
The Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP), aimed at constructing the Polihali dam and transferring a substantial amount of water to South Africa annually, has had negative impacts on the livelihoods and socio-economic status of the local populations.
On 23rd May 2023, during the official launch of the LHWP Phase 2 in Polihali, Mokhotlong, the Lesotho Defence Force forcefully confiscated protesters’ advocacy placards which only contained messages that raised the negative effects of the project on the community, including the failure to provide adequate compensation, its negative effects on access to clean drinking water, and inadequate consultations. The Southern Africa Human Rights Defenders Network (Southern Defenders) and Seinoli Legal Centre strongly condemned the acts of harassment and intimidation against citizens during peaceful protest in Lesotho.
The recent actions of the Lesotho Defense Force, suppressing peaceful protests and confiscating placards from citizens affected by the Lesotho Highlands Water Project Phase 2, have ignited a wave of shock and outrage across the nation. https://t.co/bxX9pmVS3w
— Lesotho Tribune (@LesothoTribune) June 1, 2023