Amnesty demands answers after journalist allegedly abducted in Lesotho

A Lesotho journalist and human rights defender was allegedly abducted from his home and brutally assaulted, prompting Amnesty International to call for an urgent investigation.

Kananelo Boloetse, the News Editor at Newsday Media, was reportedly taken from his home in Katlehong, Maseru, on 5 September by three unidentified men.

According to Amnesty International, Boloetse was interrogated about his journalism and human rights work, assaulted and threatened with death before being abandoned in the Thaba-Bosiu area, about 20–25km east of Maseru.

Amnesty calls for Lesotho investigation

Amnesty International has urged Lesotho authorities to conduct a prompt, thorough, independent and impartial investigation into the reported abduction and assault.

The organisation also called on authorities to ensure Boloetse’s safety and protect him from further threats or reprisals.

“Journalists and human rights defenders must be able to carry out their work freely and safely,” Amnesty International deputy regional director for East and Southern Africa Vongai Chikwanda said.

She added that violence, threats and intimidation against people exercising their right to freedom of expression should not be tolerated or go unpunished.

Newsday Media said three men abducted Boloetse from his home after neighbours reportedly noticed a suspicious vehicle monitoring the property.

The media organisation said he was later abandoned in the Thaba-Bosiu area, where he regained consciousness and managed to reach a nearby road before a passing motorist picked him up.

Boloetse was subsequently treated for his injuries and a police case was opened, according to reports from Lesotho. No arrests have been announced.

The journalist was covering accountability

Boloetse oversees journalists reporting on governance, public accountability and development issues at Newsday Media, which was launched in 2017.

His own work has included investigations into state institutions and calls for greater transparency over issues such as education financing.

He has also become known in Lesotho for advocating for free education, economic reform and human rights.

The Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) Lesotho has described the incident as a serious attack on press freedom and called for an immediate investigation.

The reported attack has also drawn attention from other press-freedom organisations.

Reporters Without Borders called for an independent investigation, while Lesotho’s government has said it supports journalists facing threats and victimisation.

The incident has renewed concerns over the safety of journalists in Lesotho, where media workers have faced attacks in the past.