Lesotho authorities must prevent ongoing threats against local journalists: Amnesty International News
OER Africa, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Lesotho authorities must prevent ongoing threats against local journalists: Amnesty International

Amnesty International urged Lesothan authorities on Thursday to publicly intervene and take action against alleged threats made against Phafane Nkotsi, a journalist and owner of the Lesotho Tribune. Amnesty International’s statement follows a recent publication by the company regarding allegations of corruption at the Public Officers Defined Contribution Fund, which is also referred to as the “pension fund.” 

On April 17, members of the Lesotho Tribune’s staff found three notes on newsroom desks, which read: “Stay away from Pension Fund issues if you still value peace in your household NJ Phafane.” Nkotsi has reportedly been the target of several incidents of harassment and intimidation after several threatening notes were left on the premises of the Lesotho Tribune. The threats began after the newspaper published two articles in late January and early February as part of an eight-part series investigating corruption at the pension fund.

In a statement posted to their website, Amnesty International resolutely condemned the threats made against Nkotsi. Amnesty International’s Regional Director for East and Southern Africa Tigera Chagutah labeled them “despicable.” He continued:

Amnesty International is appalled by the harassment, intimidation, and threats against journalist and media proprietor Phafane Nkotsi. The threatening notes found at the premises of Lesotho Tribune are despicable and designed to send a chilling message to journalists and the media. This attack on freedom of expression and media freedom must stop.

Urging authorities to ensure the safety of Nkotsi and his family, Chagutah said: “Authorities must promptly, independently, and impartially investigate reports of harassment, intimidation, and threats against Phafane Nkotsi, and bring those responsible to justice in fair trials.”

Earlier this year, following the publication of the two articles, Mergence Investment Managers—the private asset management firm that stood accused of entrenching its interests at the pension fund—filed an application with the High Court of Lesotho. The firm sought an injunction to bar the Lesotho Tribune from publishing additional articles in the eight-part series. This application was dismissed. However, the newspaper still faces ongoing defamation cases concerning its corruption coverage. 

Lesothan authorities have not yet responded to Amnesty International’s statement. However, on April 23, the government announced the revival of the District Anti-Corruption Committee (DACC), as part of a larger effort to fight corruption in the Southern-African country. 

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