Mohale FM MOUNTING frustration over poor pay, early retirement policies, and growing dissatisfaction within the Lesotho Defence Force (LDF) is reportedly pushing some soldiers into the dangerous world of illegal mining, where they earn quick cash by providing security for gold smugglers in South Africa.
Several soldiers are said to be “sneaking” across the border to work in South African illegal mines, acting as armed escorts when gold-bearing soil is transported from abandoned shafts to miners’ hideouts in local townships.
Illegal mining groups from Lesotho, commonly known as Makhomosha, are operating at abandoned South African mines. While the ultimate buyers of the gold remain unclear, the trade—once associated with famo gangsters—is now pursued by others purely for profit.
Last week, LDF member Commando Corporal (Cpl) Molise Molieleng was reportedly shot dead during a gunfight between rival Zama Zama (illegal mining) groups vying for control of a shaft in West Rand, South Africa.LDF spokesperson, Colonel (Col) (Kennel) Sakeng Lekola, dismissed claims that soldiers were participating in illegal mining operations, insisting that strict measures were in place to prevent criminal conduct among personnel.
