The International Press Institute (IPI) joined in the outcry to seek justice for Newsday editor and human rights activist, Mr. Kananelo Boloetse
IPI calls on Lesotho’s authorities to swiftly and thoroughly investigate this attack and hold the perpetrators accountable.
IPI commented that it was made aware that three unidentified men abducted Boloetse from his home in Katlehong, Maseru on September 5, 2026 and took him to a remote location and they questioned him about his journalism and human rights work, then assaulted him and threatened his life.
IPI Africa Programme Lead Nompilo Simanje said. “Such acts of violence against the press have no place in a free and democratic society. IPI welcomes the Minister of Communications assurances and commitment to press freedom and urges the Lesotho Mounted Police Service to swiftly investigate and hold the perpetrators accountable in line with Lesotho’s regional and international commitments.”
Boloetse’s abduction came days after Newsday said a cyberattack disrupted its website and email services. The outlet has linked the attack to its investigative work on education financing in Lesotho.
On the other hand, BachaShutDown Movement has also spoken out, saying an attack on a person because of their voice, their journalism, their activism or their human rights cannot be normalized.
‘’We are deeply concerned about the message such an incident sends to activists, journalists and young Basotho who continue to participate in public life. People must be able to organize, speak, question and advocate without living in fear of violence or retaliation.’’
It further points out that over the years, Boloetse’s continuing work with young people reflects his enduring commitment to the issues and values that brought many people together.
”Boloetse’s neighbours revealed that they had seen a suspicious vehicle monitoring the victim’s house hours before the abduction” Newsday reported.
Boloetse was abandoned in Thaba-Bosiu but regained consciousness and managed to get to a nearby road, where a passing motorist came to his rescue.
Source: Lesotho News Agency [LENA]
