Opposition urges S. African gov't to clarify involvement in Lesotho

The South African government should lift the veil of secrecy around its involvement in Lesotho, the opposition Democratic Alliance (DA) said on Sunday.

The DA made the statement amid reports that the South African government has been intricately involved in Lesotho's political meltdown since August 30 when a military coup sent Lesotho's Prime Minister Thomas Thabane fleeing to South Africa.

But Thabane returned home on Monday following intervention by the Southern African Development Community (SADC), with South Africa playing a leading role.

Reports indicated that the South African government had played a role in Lesotho directly and indirectly through the possible deployment of South African National Defence Force (SANDF) troops and deployment South African Police Service (SAPS) officers; and through the SADC.

The DA is seeking clarification over details regarding the South African role, DA Shadow Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Stevens Mokgalapa said.

These include:

-- What deadlines was Thabane given to reopen Lesotho's Parliament;

-- What role, if any, is the SANDF playing in Lesotho;

-- What role is SAPS playing in Lesotho;

-- Is the SADC considering military intervention;

-- What mandate have South African diplomatic officials been given in Lesotho; and

-- Are the SANDF and SAPS involved in tracking down coup leaders?

"The time has come for the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) to lift the veil of secrecy around South Africa's involvement in Lesotho," Mokgalapa said.

"It is incumbent upon the South African Government to lift the veil of secrecy cast over our government's role in Lesotho's precarious political position," he said.

On August 30, the Lesotho military seized the police headquarters and the Mabote police station in Maseru, claiming that police officers intended to pass arms and ammunitions to Thabane's All Basotho convention called "Under the Tree" (UTTA).

Police are loyal to Thabane, while the military supports his deputy Mothetjoa Metsing.

The army also raided the residence of Thabane, who had fled the country to South Africa hours before the coup.

The SADC intervened and brought leaders in the coalition government to an agreement which allowed Thabane to return home to continue his duties, particularly to reopen parliament.

Thabane dissolved parliament in June to avoid a vote of no- confidence.

After returning home following the coup, Thabane pledged to reopen parliament on September 19.