PRINCIPAL Chiefs maintain that abject poverty in Lesotho is the root-cause of the widespread killings among famo music fans and illegal mine workers commonly known as “Zama zama”.

This emerged during a one-day dialogue on Monday between the chiefs and the Minister of Home Affairs, Motlalentoa Letsosa.

The purpose of the meeting, according to the minister was to get an understanding from the cultural leaders as they are on the grassroots and well-placed to form an informed opinion on the rampant murders.
Mr Letsosa said it would help the government to have a clear picture of the root source of the murders and how the issue could be dealt with.
He cited victims of the famo music gang murders as an example of the type of violence which has caused the misplacement of people, highlighting incidents in Qalabane and Matelile.
He said despite all efforts made by different groups of people, the murders are still continuing, calling for the Principal Chiefs to share their views on what they believe could be a better approach.
For his part, Chief Thato Mohale of Tajane said there should be more institutions of higher learning in the country so that educated and skillful human resource could be produced for better employment creation.
“We cannot be relying on the old ways of getting income through working in the South African mines alone. We have to be able to create our own jobs and wealth from within the country,” he said.

Chief Bereng Api of Ha Ramabanta said politicians are the reason famo music gangs and illegal miners keep killing one another.