news

Aug. 10, 2021

STAFF REPORTER

2 min read

Principal Chiefs blame rampant killings on poverty

Principal Chiefs blame rampant killings on poverty

Minister of Home Affairs, Motlalentoa Letsosa

Metro Audio Articles

Catch our weekly audio news daily only on Metro Radio Podcast News.

listen now

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.

Enjoy our daily newsletter from today

Access exclusive newsletters, along with previews of new media releases.

“This is because politicians make these people believe that they are not under their local chiefs’ rule or control but their own, that is how Lesotho got where it is today,” he said.

Most Principal Chiefs supported the idea of a self-reliant Lesotho, including full decentralisation of services which has been on the drawing board for more than five years.
Lesotho is signatory to the Kampala Convention which protects the interests and rights of internally displaced persons without discrimination of any kind. LeNA

Share the story

METRO WEATHER FORECAST