Home 9 Freedom of expression 9 Lesotho police shoot journalist during protests

Lesotho police shoot journalist during protests

16 Nov, 2020
Lesotho police have been accused of shooting journalist Ntsoaki Motaung during a youth protest dubbed #BachaShutDown on 6 November 2020.

Lesotho police have been accused of shooting journalist Ntsoaki Motaung during a youth protest dubbed #BachaShutDown on 6 November 2020.

Motaung, who works for Newsday, was treated for minor wounds and discharged in the aftermath of the shooting.

On the same day, the police arrested 357FM presenter Relebohile Moyeye Sebuti, for allegedly not wearing a mask.

The police also detained Lentsoe la Basotho journalist, Moliwe Thobei, in as yet unclear circumstances. Sebuti and Thobei were released without being charged.

Police justified their actions by saying they were dispersing an illegal gathering.

In the process, the police arrested 11 youths who had participated in the demonstration. The 11 appeared in court last week.

The youth were protesting against joblessness and unemployment. Protests remain banned in Lesotho since the beginning of the country’s COVID-19 lockdown regulations on 3 April 2020.

MISA Zimbabwe position

MISA Zimbabwe is concerned that regional governments continue to use the pretext of COVID-19 regulations to clamp down on media freedom and freedom of expression.

It is also worrying that the police had to use firearms, and in the process injuring a journalist who was carrying out her duties.

We urge the government of Lesotho and law enforcement agencies to ensure that journalists lawfully carrying out their duties are protected rather than harassed.

About MISA

The Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) was founded in 1992. Its work focuses on promoting, and advocating for, the unhindered enjoyment of freedom of expression, access to information and a free, independent, diverse and pluralistic media.

Share this

Related news

The Freedom of Expression  Climate survey 2025- Now Available!

The Freedom of Expression Climate survey 2025- Now Available!

Southern Africa has in its history never faced such crossroads in the wake of the USA’s global funding cuts and dealing with high stakes that are borne of elections and rapid technological changes. The headwinds are further compounded by the debilitating effects of...

Journalist Jemwa and his camera were inseparable

Journalist Jemwa and his camera were inseparable

It was with a profound sense of loss and sorrow that MISA Zimbabwe learnt of the tragic death on 19 September 2025 of its longstanding member, veteran journalist James Jemwa. Jemwa, who had a particular interest in photography and videography, will be remembered for...

MISA launches fifth annual state of press freedom report

MISA launches fifth annual state of press freedom report

MISA Regional officially launched the fifth edition of the State of Press Freedom in Southern Africa report on 8 May 2025, a key evidence-based advocacy tool for improving the safety of journalists in the region.   The 2025 report was launched at the belated...