Mohale FM The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Lejone Mpotjoane, says the government of Lesotho has not received any official communication regarding the alleged arrest of its citizens in South Africa during the Easter holidays.
Mr. Mpotjoane stated that while South African authorities would ordinarily inform the government of such incidents, no such notification has been made, and he is therefore unaware of the reported arrests.
According to reports, seven Basotho nationals were allegedly arrested in Ficksburg while travelling home. The arrests are said to be linked to the possession of illegal cigarettes and tobacco, as well as three suspected stolen minibuses.
They were arrested during an operation, which began on March 27, which was conducted by the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) and the South African Police Service (SAPS). Authorities reportedly recovered suspected stolen minibuses valued at approximately M2.6 million.
During a vehicle checkpoint, soldiers from South African Infantry Battalion intercepted a white Toyota Quantum. A search uncovered a large quantity of illegal tobacco products, including hundreds of cartons of Chief, Boss, RG, and Camel Light cigarettes, along with 13 bags of loose tobacco.
The driver and six passengers, all believed to be Lesotho nationals, were taken into custody.
