ASSASSINATION ATTEMPT: ALLEGED MASTERMIND ARRESTED IN SOUTH

UNCLAS MASERU 000271 SIPDIS DEPT FOR AF/S AND INR/AF E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PGOV LT SUBJECT: ASSASSINATION ATTEMPT: ALLEGED MASTERMIND ARRESTED IN SOUTH AFRICA REF: MASERU 222 ¶1. South African press are reporting that Jesse Ramakatane, alleged mastermind of the April 22 attempted assassination of Prime Minister Pakalitha Mosisili, was arrested in South Africa in connection with the investigation into the attack. He appeared in court in Bethlehem, Free State, South Africa, on July 27, 2009. His case has been postponed to August 25, at which time hearings will also be held for six other individuals in South African custody in connection with the assassination attempt. Extradition proceedings to transfer Ramakatane, Makotoko Lerotholi, and the other six to Lesotho are reported to be underway (reftel). ¶2. Comment: The local media and political scene has been fixated on the various issues surrounding the disputed allocation of proportional representation parliamentary seats in the 2007 national election; no local press have picked up on this story thus far. Post will report on developments following the August hearings. POWER