LESOTHO: NSS UPDATES ON ASSASSINATION ATTEMPT INVESTIGATION

C O N F I D E N T I A L MASERU 000141

SIPDIS

DEPT FOR AF/S, DS/IP/AF, DS/IP/ITA
PRETORIA FOR DATT
CAPE TOWN FOR SEEKER

E.O. 12958: DECL: 5/7/2019
TAGS: ASEC PGOV LT
SUBJECT: LESOTHO: NSS UPDATES ON ASSASSINATION ATTEMPT INVESTIGATION

REF: MASERU 129

CLASSIFIED BY: Elizabeth C. Power, Deputy Chief of Mission.
REASON: 1.4 (b),(d)

1. (C) Sources within the National Security Service (NSS)
provided the Embassy with an update on the investigations into
the recent assassination attempt of the Prime Minister (reftel).
According to the NSS Director of External Operations, the South
African Police Service (SAPS) informed them on Wednesday, May 6,
that camouflaged uniforms and a bulletproof vest had been
discovered on a farm in South Africa along the northern Lesotho
border. NSS officers have crossed into South Africa to view the
items discovered in order to ascertain if they are similar to
the items discovered in Lesotho following the attack. The NSS
stressed that they prefer a joint operation with South African
security services during the farm search in South Africa in
order to ensure that their interests are covered.


2. (C) The Embassy was also informed that the five
Mozambicans arrested in South Africa remain in custody and
apparently will face charges of terrorism and possession of
illegal arms. These five men also each face six months
imprisonment or a fine of 600 rand (approximately $71) for
violating immigration laws. The other two men in South African
custody are reported to be South African citizens. They will
appear before a magistrate on May 22, 2009, to face similar
charges as the Mozambicans; in addition, these two men were also
wanted on previous charges of robbery and murder.


3. (C) Contrary to GOL statements, the NSS emphasized that
the April 22 attacks in Maseru were not politically motivated.
Our source insists that this was simply the work of two
disgruntled Lesotho nationals. He mentioned two suspects:
Makotoko Lerotholi, who claimed he was unfairly dismissed from
the army in 1998, and Jersey Ramakatane, a businessman who is
allegedly angry with the Lesotho government for now awarding him
tenders he had bid on. The NSS contact stated that their
investigations are centered on these two men. He also said that
the two suspects arrested in Lesotho revealed that they were
promised on million Maloti (approximately $119,000) for
participating in the attacks in Lesotho. He indicated that he
had not yet seen the full interrogation reports, but promised to
provide additional details as soon as they become available.

NOLAN