News and statements
Statement on the arrest and detention of the Lesotho Times’ Editor Mohalenyane Phakela
The arrest and detention of investigative journalist Mohalenyane Phakela mark more than an attack on one individual, it signals a chilling attempt to suffocate media freedom in Lesotho. By criminalising journalism, the state is not only silencing dissent but also dismantling the very infrastructure that sustains a free and independent press.
PARTLY FALSE: This is not a cloudburst in Pakistan in 2025
The video was recorded in the Japanese town of Atami in July 2021.
FACT-CHECK: Fabricated Mnangagwa Quote on South Africa is Recycled Disinformation
A review of official records and media archives confirms President Mnangagwa never made such a statement.
World Vision Equips Basotho Journalists to Intensify Fight Against Child Labour
Mrs. Mathabang Kose of World Vision Lesotho passionately appealed to journalists to become active agents of change. ‘One day, just wake up angry and run a program on the issues that affect children in Lesotho. What are the root causes? The effects? Who should do what? You’d already be doing Prevention,’ she challenged. ‘Writing in a newspaper and addressing these various issues, you’d be helping World Vision Lesotho as a partner.’ She concluded by framing journalism as a key tool for systemic change in the fight against child exploitation.
Fact-check: Prime Minister Sam Matekane’s interview, allegedly promoting a ‘new way to make extra income’ is a hoax
The controversial interview with the PM never took place.
FALSE: Magnitude 6 earthquakes are not increasing and are not linked to climate change
There has been no increase in major earthquakes, and they are not linked to climate change.
FACT-CHECK: Viral video of King Letsie III promoting investment scheme is a deepfake scam
A viral deepfake video falsely claims that King Letsie III endorsed a government-backed investment promising Basotho weekly payouts of LSL 19,320. In reality, the video is a digitally manipulated scam using the King’s image, fake news banners, and deceptive links to harvest personal data. Investigations confirm it is part of a coordinated campaign, not a legitimate investment.
False: Namibian President did not issue a statement rejecting the Gates Foundation IUD trial
A viral Facebook post alleges that the Namibian President, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has denied the Gates Foundation’s proposal to conduct medical trials of a hormonal intrauterine device (IUD)… The post is FALSE.
FACT-CHECK: South Africa’s supposed nuclear accusation against Lesotho is false
SOUTH AFRICA ACCUSES LESOTHO OF HAVING NUCLEAR WEAPONS”, this alarming “BREAKING NEWS” headline spread across Facebook and Twitter in late June 2025. But CheckDesk at MISA Lesotho has confirmed: it’s completely false. South Africa has outright denied making any such accusation, and Lesotho’s official nuclear disarmament commitments strongly contradict the claim.