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Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) has confirmed the shootings and arrests of journalists who were covering the Lesotho youth protest nicknamed #BachaShutDown.
Ntsoaki Motaung, who works for Newsday, has suffered minor injuries after she was shot by Lesotho police while carrying out her duties.
“It is also worrying that the police had to use firearms, and in the process injuring a NewsDay journalist who was carrying out her duties.”
On the same day, the police have detained 357FM presenter Relebohile Moyeye Sebuti, and Lentsoe la Basotho journalist, Moliwe Thobei, in as yet unclear circumstances and they were later released without being charged.
“On the same day, the police arrested 357FM presenter Relebohile Moyeye Sebuti, for allegedly not wearing a mask.
“Another Lentsoe la Basotho journalist, Moliwe Thobei was also detained in as yet unclear circumstances”
According to MISA statement the police justified their actions by saying they were violating the covid 19 protocols of dispersing gatherings exceeding the expected number.
MISA has however,condemn regional governments for using the pretext of covid 19 regulations to clamp down on media freedom and freedom of expression.
“MISA is concerned that regional governments continue to use the pretext of COVID-19 regulations to clamp down on media freedom and freedom of expression”
MISA has however urged the government of Lesotho and law enforcement agencies to ensure that journalists lawfully carrying out their duties are protected rather than harassed.
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