Khabane Tsa Moshoeshoe, an association of street vendors in Maseru, has condemned police brutality in the country, with the recent incident where Advocate Napo Mafaesa was manhandled by the police.

In its statement, the association’s Secretary Mr. Motlere Thobi said police stations are meant to be places of safety and protection and not for assaulting those seeking help. Thobi said that all fundamental human rights should be protected and respected saying that, they were shaken to see police violating the rights of their legal representative Adv. Mafaesa by detaining and assaulting him.

He said this has brought fear amongst Basotho saying, they wonder to what extend they can endure this brutality, if police without any fear, could freely assault legal practitioners.

They therefore appealed to the Commissioner of Police to stop these heinous acts as they would result in Basotho losing trust in the police and   their service.

Adv. Mafaesa was reportedly arrested and questioned by the Mabote Police, where they allegedly assaulted him.