LESOTHO and South African authorities are adamant that relations between the two neighbouring countries are still harmonious and strong as ever.

SA High Commissioner to Lesotho Sello Moloto made an assurance that the two countries still have strong and cordial bilateral relations, adding that there are no risks threatening the long-standing relationship.

He said the recent events that triggered the two countries’ foreign ministries’ increased interaction had nothing to do with the relations turning sour.

Mr Moloto cited the arrest of two members of the Lesotho Defence Force (LDF) as one of the matters, which if attended to promptly, could have shown that Lesotho and its only neighbour are still working together.
He said it could have worked better if the matter had been dealt with before it was taken to the courts of law, adding however, that the two soldiers were believed to be fight risks like their colleagues who also fled the scene.

Privates Rorisang Moepi and Dumile Tšoeunyane were reportedly on patrol duty on July 19, 2020 along the border of Lesotho and Eastern Cape when they received a report of stolen livestock from residents of Qacha’s Nek.

In pursuing the alleged thieves who fled into Matatiele, South Africa, the soldiers came face to face with their SA counterparts who arrested them for among others illegal entering into that country.

The two soldiers were released on bail by the Matatiele Magistrate’s Court earlier this month.

Mr Moloto said those who tried to negotiate the soldiers’ release did not want to commit themselves with the other two who fled the scene.
On the issue of attacks against Basotho living in SA, he said they also have nothing to do with Basotho as a nation but with the fact that where people live together, there is always a possibility of fights breaking out.