Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
09MASERU158
2009-05-19 14:02:00
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Embassy Maseru
Cable title:
ASSASSINATION ATTEMPT: SOUTH AFRICA CONFIRMS ARREST OF
how-toVZCZCXRO8063 PP RUEHBZ RUEHDU RUEHJO RUEHRN DE RUEHMR #0158 1391402 ZNR UUUUU ZZH P 191402Z MAY 09 FM AMEMBASSY MASERU TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 4171 INFO RUCNSAD/SADC COLLECTIVE RUEHMR/AMEMBASSY MASERU 4598
UNCLAS MASERU 000158
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
FOR AF/S, DS/IP/AF
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV ASEC LT
SUBJECT: ASSASSINATION ATTEMPT: SOUTH AFRICA CONFIRMS ARREST OF
PRIMARY SUSPECT
REF: MASERU 141 AND PREVIOUS
UNCLAS MASERU 000158
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
FOR AF/S, DS/IP/AF
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV ASEC LT
SUBJECT: ASSASSINATION ATTEMPT: SOUTH AFRICA CONFIRMS ARREST OF
PRIMARY SUSPECT
REF: MASERU 141 AND PREVIOUS
1. (SBU) In a conversation with Ambassador Nolan, the South
African High Commissioner confirmed local press reports that
South African police have arrested Makotoko Lerotholi in
connection with the ongoing investigation into the April 22
attempted assassination of Lesotho's prime minister. Lerotholi
has been publicly named by the GOL as one of the prime suspects
in planning the attack (reftel). Alleged mastermind Jersey
Ramakatane is not in police custody, and the High Commissioner
reiterated that he is a South African citizen.
2. (SBU) According to the High Commissioner, the five
Mozambican citizens arrested immediately following the attack
remain in South African police custody, facing immigration
charges only. The Mozambicans and Lerotholi can only be
transferred to Lesotho via the formal extradition process; no
paperwork has yet been filed by the GOL to begin the extradition
process.
3. (SBU) Comment: The fact that Lerotholi has been arrested
in South Africa lends further credence to the theory that he and
Ramakatane planned the assassination attempt. Post presumes
that the SAG must have seen convincing evidence related to the
investigation in order to authorize his arrest, indicating that
the GOL theory is less likely to be politically motivated.
NOLAN
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
FOR AF/S, DS/IP/AF
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV ASEC LT
SUBJECT: ASSASSINATION ATTEMPT: SOUTH AFRICA CONFIRMS ARREST OF
PRIMARY SUSPECT
REF: MASERU 141 AND PREVIOUS
1. (SBU) In a conversation with Ambassador Nolan, the South
African High Commissioner confirmed local press reports that
South African police have arrested Makotoko Lerotholi in
connection with the ongoing investigation into the April 22
attempted assassination of Lesotho's prime minister. Lerotholi
has been publicly named by the GOL as one of the prime suspects
in planning the attack (reftel). Alleged mastermind Jersey
Ramakatane is not in police custody, and the High Commissioner
reiterated that he is a South African citizen.
2. (SBU) According to the High Commissioner, the five
Mozambican citizens arrested immediately following the attack
remain in South African police custody, facing immigration
charges only. The Mozambicans and Lerotholi can only be
transferred to Lesotho via the formal extradition process; no
paperwork has yet been filed by the GOL to begin the extradition
process.
3. (SBU) Comment: The fact that Lerotholi has been arrested
in South Africa lends further credence to the theory that he and
Ramakatane planned the assassination attempt. Post presumes
that the SAG must have seen convincing evidence related to the
investigation in order to authorize his arrest, indicating that
the GOL theory is less likely to be politically motivated.
NOLAN