MASERU - Khathang Tema Baitšokoli, an association of street vendors, said they are pleased with the Minister of Trade and Industry’s Wednesday decision of shutting down the operations of Sky Country butcheries in Lesotho.

Minister Tefo Mapesela was flanked by his ministry’s officials as well as police officers when he stormed the shop that operates near Pitso Ground Police Station and shut it down by confiscating its trader’s licence on reasons that Sky Country was contravening the provisions of its trader’s license by continuing to sell expired meat to Basotho. Chairperson of Khatang Tema Baitšokoli, Mr. Tšolo Lebitsa said his association was pleased with the Minister’s decision as it shows that he indeed cares for Basotho.

Mr. Lebitsa said some members of Khatang Tema Baitšokoli were purchasing their stock from the butchery as it sold meat at cheap prices compared to other butcheries and were under the impression that the owner of the butchery was feeling for them - hence the low prices. According to the association, the meat was cheap because it had expired. Mr. Lebitsa, however, indicated that although they are pleased with the Minister’s decision, they hope and pray that it would be a temporary decision that will give the butchery owner time to fix his mistakes and comply with the license provisions as permanent closure of the butchery would result in the employees of the butchery losing their jobs.