Human rights organisation, Hands Off Basotho, is organising a march to the Police Headquarters in Maseru to demand action on the unresolved abduction and alleged torture of Kananelo Boloetse. The march, scheduled for 8 October 2026, will start at Pitso Ground and proceed to the Police Headquarters. According to a letter seeking a permit for the march, the demonstration aims to deliver a formal Letter of Demand to the Chief of Police regarding Boloetse's case.
The abduction and alleged torture of Boloetse have raised concerns about the police's handling of the case. Advocates for the Supremacy of the Constitution (Section 2) has refuted police claims that Boloetse failed to cooperate with investigators. Section 2 released a statement outlining the sequence of events between Boloetse and the Lesotho Mounted Police Service (LMPS) since he reported his ordeal on 6 September 2026.
Section 2 alleges that the police made public statements suggesting Boloetse was unreachable or uncooperative, despite establishing contact with him on multiple occasions. The organisation claims that each time contact was established, a public statement was made within a day contradicting the facts. Section 2 is calling for the LMPS to publicly clarify the record of contact between its officers and Boloetse.
The organisation also received information that the search for Boloetse extended to the northern districts, including Botha-Bothe. Section 2 finds it concerning that a large-scale search is underway for a man who has spoken with the Chief of Police and the lead investigator. The organisation expressed concerns about public confidence in the police, citing the inconsistencies in the handling of Boloetse's case.
Minister of Home Affairs and Police, Voeswa Tsheka, has assured Parliament that investigations into Boloetse's case are ongoing. She stated that the absence of further public statements from police does not mean that investigations have stopped. Tsheka emphasised that justice must be served to all, regardless of status or position.
Tsheka also reported that the police recorded 562 sexual offence cases and 215 cases of grievous bodily harm between January and August 2026. She condemned all criminal activities meant to harm others and assured victims that those guilty would be apprehended. The minister encouraged victims to file complaints with the Police Complaints Authority if they are not satisfied with the police.
The march organised by Hands Off Basotho aims to bring attention to Boloetse's case and push for action from the police. The organisation is committed to maintaining law and order throughout the march and has requested the Lesotho Mounted Police Service to provide security and traffic management escorts.
Key points
- The march is scheduled for 8 October 2026 to demand action on Kananelo Boloetse's abduction and alleged torture.
- Section 2 refutes police claims that Boloetse failed to cooperate with investigators, citing inconsistencies in the police's public statements.
- Minister Voeswa Tsheka assures Parliament that investigations into Boloetse's case are ongoing and that justice will be served.
