Water For Justice

Attacks at the State House

On the morning of 22 April at about 03h00 a group of armed men attacked the State House with gun fire. Prior to this attack the Makoanyane Barracks was attacked and a group of five soldiers were ambushed and one of them forced to drive a military vehicle to the State House where the above named attack was carried out.

Members of the Lesotho Defense Force and the Lesotho Mounted Police Service reacted timely and effectively to these attacks. Up to four of these insurgents were shot dead around the national Abattoir in Khubetsoana following a chase and a heavy exchange of fire. The insurgents had left the captured Military Vehicle and abducted a private carrier (combi) which they used to carry out their acts. Two of the insurgents have been captured and are in custody in Lesotho.

Along the Lesotho South Africa boarder, up to five of the suspected terrorists have been arrested. This followed a joint operation (helicopter and ground) between the Lesotho and South Africa security forces and police. The suspects are in custody in South Africa.

Two terrorist suspects were arrested in Ladybrand where one of them is said to have reported to a local hospital with gun wounds. Of the nine who have been arrested- two in Lesotho and seven in South Africa, it is alleged that most of them are Mozambicans while there may be some South Africans.

So far, fifteen assault rifles and ammunition have been sized as exhibits following attacks at the State House and at Makoanyane Barracks. These included rifles, machine guns and rounds of ammunition. Lesotho, South Africa and Mozambique police are working closely together in the investigations.

Honorable Mohlabi Tsekoa, the Minister of Foreign Affairs in Lesotho, His Excellency Mr. Fernando Anderade Fazenda, High commissioner of the Republic of Mozambique and His Excellency Happy Mahlangu, High Commissioner of the Republic of South Africa condemned these acts of apparent terrorism unreservedly as they come when the consolidation of peace, stability and the rule of law were taking root. Investigations still continue and the government of Lesotho appeals for calm and that that anyone with any additional information.