The National Governing Council (NGC) of MISA Lesotho expresses profound dismay and grave concern upon learning earlier today, through public social media platforms, that the organisation’s National Director, Mr. Lekhetho Ntsukunyane, has been formally charged with offences of theft and fraud allegedly involving funds belonging to MISA Lesotho.
The NGC became aware, via unverified rumours circulating on WhatsApp on Monday, that Mr. Ntsukunyane was to be formally charged. Given the serious nature of these allegations and the Council’s lack of prior knowledge, a formal letter was immediately addressed to the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Borotho Matsoso. As of the date of this statement, no acknowledgement or substantive response has been received from the Lesotho Mounted Police Service (LMPS).
On Tuesday, Mr. Ntsukunyane informed the NGC that he had indeed been charged, albeit with limited disclosure of particulars. The Council, in the spirit of due process and procedural fairness, resolved to await an official communique from the LMPS before making any further determination.
It was therefore with considerable consternation that the NGC discovered, this morning, that the LMPS had opted to publish the alleged details of the charges, including purported financial figures, on its official Facebook page,without any prior notification or communication to MISA Lesotho, which, according to the LMPS’s own allegations, is the supposed victim in this matter.
The NGC wishes to place on public record that MISA Lesotho has not lodged any formal complaint with the police alleging theft or fraud against Mr. Ntsukunyane, nor has the organisation been consulted before taking the matter to court.
Further, the remuneration figure of M3,850 cited in the LMPS’s Facebook post is factually inaccurate and does not reflect the actual salary paid by MISA Lesotho to its National Director. This misinformation not only misrepresents the organisation’s employment practices but also unjustly characterises MISA Lesotho as complicit in exploitative labour practices akin to modern-day slavery.
This public mischaracterisation has severely damaged the integrity and public image of MISA Lesotho. It threatens to undermine the credibility of the organisation and the ability of its members, particularly journalists, to hold other employers accountable for unfair labour practices, as the organisation itself is now portrayed as engaging in such conduct.
While MISA Lesotho is deeply disappointed by these developments, it remains unwavering in its commitment to constitutional democracy, the rule of law, and the independence of law enforcement and judicial institutions. The organisation shall closely monitor the progression of this matter to its legal conclusion, with a view to ensuring transparency, accountability, and justice.
In light of the seriousness of the allegations, the NGC urges all members, stakeholders, and the broader public to refrain from speculative commentary or prejudicial conclusions. Instead, we call upon the media fraternity to uphold the highest standards of ethical journalism and investigative rigour in scrutinising this matter.
The NGC remains committed to safeguarding the integrity of MISA Lesotho and ensuring that the principles of justice, fairness, and institutional autonomy prevail.
Issues by the National Governing Council of MISA Lesotho
