By ‘Majirata Latela
The two members of the Lesotho Defence Force of the 12 Infantry Battalion who had been incarcerated in South Africa since July 19, 2020 were welcomed back in the country on Saturday by the Prime minister Dr Moeketsi Majoro at Majametalane Military Airbase.
The two LDF members Privates Rorisang Moepi and Dumile Tšoeunyane had been detained in an Eastern Cape jail after they were arrested by the South African army.
Speaking at the welcome ceremony, Majoro slammed the way Matatiele magistrate court handled the matter, accusing it of playing hide and seek with LDF.
“The magistrate would demand this and that from the LDF, only to shift the goal posts when that specific demand was met; this went on until 11 months passed without granting the two men bail.
“The case ultimately was passed on to the high court which did not waste time granting these men bail,” he said.
He thanked the two soldiers’ for their patience during the trying times.
The pair were charged for illegally entering South Africa, robbery and possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition. They have, however, always maintained their innocence, insisting they were on patrol and had only crossed the border to pursue rustlers who had stolen cattle from Lesotho.
