RSA officials charged with contravention of COVID 19 law

Four South African officials that include two South African National Defence Force members appeared in Maseru magistrate court on Friday.

The case was before magistrate Murenzi and the public prosecutor Phooko.

According to the Lesotho Mounted Police Service public relations officer Superintendent Mpiti Mopeli the accused charged with contravening section 3 (1) of Public Health (Covid-19) of Legal Notice No. 64 of Regulation 2020 and Alliance Control Act.

They were all remanded in custody and the next date of remand will be on August 27, 2020. The case numbers are Maseru RCI 69/08/20 and CR 0492/20 respectively.

The officers are:

1. Zibuse Herrington, male aged 48 years of Ladysmith a member of SANDF at Ladybrand.
   2. Muzikawulahlwa Shandu, male aged 46 years of Empangeni a member of SANDF at Ladybrand.
   3. Mfundo Mazibuko, male aged 38 years of Mantsopa Municipality working at Agriculture Department Ladybrand and
   4. Lipuo Lebese, female aged 39 years of Mantsopa Municipality Ladybrand.

Lesotho Correctional Service public relations officer Senior Superintendent Neo Mopeli refuted   allegations that these people are on hunger strike.

“These accused persons arrived late afternoon on Friday at Lesotho Correctional Service custody. As a result, we do not have a report that they refused to eat”, emphasized S/Supt. Mopeli.

Supt. Mopeli said if they cannot eat as alleged by the social media that they do not want to eat Lesotho meal, it would be bad because visitors are not allowed. Hence, they will not be able to get food from outside the prison.