The Kingdom of Lesotho is worried that the increasing accusations against their citizens in serious criminal activities in SA could ruin diplomatic relations between the two countries.
On Tuesday, Lesotho placed the allegations high on its weekly cabinet meeting following reports coming from SA alleging that illegal miners from Lesotho had raped a group of women who were shooting a music video in Krugersdorp, on the West Rand, last week.
Lesotho nationals are also accused by some in Soweto of being behind the tavern shooting which led to the killing of 21 men at Nomzamo in Orlando East.
Lesotho government spokesperson Samuel Rapapa said a delegation from SAPS was in Lesotho last week to discuss the reported violent crimes allegedly involving Lesotho nationals living in SA.
Rapapa said the incidents have the potential to spark attacks in SA and that would ultimately have a negative impact on the bilateral ties between Lesotho and SA.
“The allegations of Lesotho citizens being involved in illegal mining and sporadic shootings in South Africa pose a serious threat for both countries. These incidents will promote xenophobic attacks against Lesotho nationals residing in SA. We are talking with the South African police on this matter to verify these reports,” said Rapapa.
He said his government established a crime fighting unit called Operation Restore Hope last November. The operation is meant to tackle cross-border crimes like the theft of livestock and vehicle including illegal firearms that cross between the two countries. It also deals with illegal mining and gangsterism.
"[Through] the operation [we] exchange information with SAPS on regular basis. There are instances were SAPS will help trace a suspected wanted in Lesotho in SA. If the suspect is found, they'll be handed over to Lesotho police. This system works both ways," he said.
Rapapa said they will hold a press conference today to outline some of the plans discussed in yesterday's cabinet meeting which include allegations against their citizens who work as illegal miners in SA.
Lesotho's minister of foreign affairs and international relations Matsepo Ramakoae said a team has been assembled to work closely with the office of home affairs in SA to gather information on raised allegations.
“Nobody can fully confirm that Lesotho citizens are involved in increasing criminal cases reported in SA but we are aware of these claims. We are worried by these allegations hence we have assembled a team to thoroughly investigate these claims. Our team will brief us on their findings before the end of this week. We will issue a statement on the team’s finding by Friday,” said Ramakoae.
Home affairs minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi said he was not aware of a team from Lesotho. "But I don't dismiss that process because it is a normal practice that both migration officers from both countries would have constant communication on different matters.
Department of international relations and cooperation said criminal matters will never affect relations between both countries.
Spokesperson Clayson Monyela said the two countries have strong bilateral relations that were structured many years ago.
“Criminal matters cannot be elevated to issues of international relations. We have many undocumented foreigners in SA that are involved in all sorts of criminal activities but we continue to have cordial relations with their countries. Lesotho will not be treated differently,” said Monyela.
The South African State Security Agency spokesperson Mava Scott declined to comment when asked if zama zama activities posed any threat to SA's national security
“This matter is a law enforcement issue and the police are already [working on] it. We are not in a position to comment on other operational issues raised in your questions,” said Scott.
Ramakoae said her government was keeping an eye on the Krugersdorp case.
“We strongly condemn what happened in Krugersdorp. It doesn’t matter if that incident happened in SA or anywhere in the world, but those responsible for this terrible act must be arrested. Allegations that Lesotho men were involved in that rape incident worry us because such claims if proven to be true can have a negative impact on our relationship with SA,” said Ramakoae.
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