UPDATE ON FOREIGN MINISTER'S SHOOTING INCIDENT

UNCLAS MASERU 000235 SIPDIS SIPDIS RANGOON FOR PATRICK MURPHY E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PGOV PREL KDEM LT SUBJECT: UPDATE ON FOREIGN MINISTER'S SHOOTING INCIDENT REF: A) MASERU 187 B) MASERU 124 C) MASERU 089 D) MASERU 085 E) MASERU 59 F) MASERU 51 ¶1. As the saga around the shooting of Foreign Minister Moleleki in January this year continues, a local newspaper, " Public Eye " May 12, 2006 issue, has revealed that the vehicle the minister was traveling in at the time of his controversial shooting on January 29 2006, bore South African High Commission diplomatic registration plates. This is contrary to initial claims that the vehicle the minister was using on the afore-mentioned night was in fact his official vehicle. ¶2. According to Public Eye, the Lesotho Mounted Police Service (LMPS) Public Relations Officer confirmed that Moleleki had bought the vehicle from the South African High Commission. However, the police were unable to explain why the vehicle still carried the diplomatic plates. Public Eye also reported that the South African High Commissioner (Chief of Mission),William Leslie, was unavailable for comment regarding the purchase of the vehicle. The LMPS spokeman added that investigations into the minister's shooting are continuing. He added that they are positive the probe will bear fruit. ¶3. Comment: This latest information regarding the Minister's vehicle has added to speculation and puzzled the general public. More and more observers are beginning to form their own opinions about the " Moleleki riddle." This latest disclosure has exacerbated the situation further. Most observers are inclined to believe that the story Moleleki gave to the police could not have been accurate. Note: There have been rumors of an imminent cabinet reshuffle but there are no clear indications when this will take place, and whether it will affect certain key ministries including Foreign Affairs. PERRY