Africa-Press – Lesotho. Maama Principal Chief Mitchell Maama on Monday banned one Mr. Thabo Rantlo from Maholong village under Khoeli Electoral Division where he is accused of illegally residing, to vacate and go back to his original residential place.
The announcement was made during a public gathering attended by among others Koro-Koro Member of Parliament Mr. Abinyane Mahatanya, Maseru District Administrator Mr. Ts’epo Lethobane, Khoeli Community Councilor Mrs. ‘Malisanko Tsomela, the Area Chief Mpiti Maama and Maholong community.
Mr. Rantlo originally from Koro-Koro is accused of being unruly, grazing at reserved pastures, destroying development projects such as communal tap, having unregistered livestock, alleged murder, stock theft, insulting people and not participating in community activities.
Chief Maama said the decision was reached following several meetings with Mr. Rantlo where he was reprimanding him saying on October 13, he ordered the latter to go back to his original residence which he did not.
He emphasised that Lesotho is a lawful country and that no man is above the law saying anyone who does not abide must be dealt with accordingly.
He said Lesotho is a democratic country therefore people’s safety and well-being come first.
Chief Maama stressed that Mr. Rantlo, his children and herd boys should leave Maholong and go back to his village.
Maholong Area Chief, Chief Mpiti Maama expressed gratitude to the Principal Chief for the decision he took saying they no longer need Mr. Rantlo and his family in their village.
Officer Commanding Mofoka police station Senior Inspector Mohalali Majara said every livestock migration has to be permitted saying it is a crime to move livestock from one village to another without proper documents.
He said threatening people is also a criminal act urging people to come forward with any evidence to help put the perpetrator away.
On the other hand, Community Councillor Mrs. Tsomela said she was embarrassed that development projects have been destroyed. She said there is no one above the law therefore if a person does not want to live peacefully with the community, then he has to go.
Moreover, Member of Parliament Mr. Mahatanya said Mr. Rantlo’s behaviour is not good, saying they cry of lack of developments, but someone destroys the little that they have.
He commended the community for not taking law into their hands but took the matter to their leadership for solution.
He emphasised that Mr. Rantlo must go back to his place and not provoke the Maholong community.
Meanwhile Mr. Rantlo was arrested two weeks ago on alleged murders and is currently in custody and due to reappear in court.
Maholong is about 34 km from Maseru, it is under Kubake community Council.
