‘Mantšali Phakoana
The Directorate on Corruption and Economic Offences (DCEO) is seeking the extradition of Robert Frazer to Lesotho to answer fraud charges that resulted in the country incurring a M1.2 billion debt for solar energy.
Former minister in the prime minister’s office, Temeki Tšolo is accused alongside Frazer. Tšolo is accused of fraudulently signing a contract, resulting in the country losing money.
The former minister is set to make a pre-trial court appearance on May, 14 2024.
In a statement, DCEO said it is currently liaising with its international partners to ensure that Frazer is extradited and brought to Lesotho to face criminal prosecution.
“Processes are currently underway to secure Mr Frazer’s attendance in Lesotho with the view of ensuring that he faces a criminal prosecution,” the DCEO said.
It stated that on April 3, 2024 Tšolo was served with a notice of trial and warned to appear court on May 14 2024 for pre-trial processes.
The institution further noted that in November 2023, it applied for the separation of trials with the view to proceeding with criminal prosecutions against Tšolo while at the same time continuing with attempts to locate and extradite Frazer.
“On or about November 22, 2022, the DCEO instituted criminal proceedings and jointly charged Mr Tšolo, Frazer and his company for fraud and corruption and contravention of section 21 (3) (b) of the prevention of corruption and economic offences Act of 1999 as amended.
“As a result of the aforementioned development, Mr Frazer left Lesotho and deliberately never set foot to face charges against him together with Tšolo.
“The DCEO with the assistance of its international counterparts commenced a long and protracted process to secure Mr Frazer’s attendance in Lesotho through extradition and mutual legal assistance process,” DCEO indicated.
