Mohale FM
Youth Activist, Ts’olo “Tjeka Tjeka” Thakeli, has launched an appeal against the Lesotho Mounted Police Service (LMPS) for their refusal to grant him a permit for a peace procession intended for 9 January 2026.
In a letter written on Tuesday 06th January 2026 and addressed to the Minister of Local Government Chieftainship and Police, Lebona Lephema, Mr Thakeli argues that when he approached the Police for permission to hold the procession, he was told among other things to secure a consent from Prime Minister Samuel Ntsokoane Matekane.
His argument is that according to the governing law, the Public Meetings and Processions Act NO 55 of 2010 makes no mention of the requirement of a consent from the Prime Minister.
Mr Thakeli further expressed his dismay after an officer who received his application informed him that, without the required consent, the application would not be approved, a prediction that was soon turned out true.
As a result of the rejection communicated to him through a telephone phone call on December 4 2025, Mr Thakeli has demanded the Police respond to him in writing, detailing reasons for the refusal.
When contacted for comment, LMPS spokesperson, Mpiti Mopeli said his office had not erred in its response to Mr Thakeli, explaining that one of the conditions for granting a permit is that the individual against whom the march is directed must consent to the proposed date and time for receiving the petition.
He added that the police were simply carrying out their mandate by ensuring that all stipulated requirements were fully complied with.
