Journalist Ralikonelo Joki was tragically killed on Sunday night, sending shockwaves through the media community in Lesotho.
Joki, who worked at Ts’enolo FM, a privately owned radio station, was targeted and shot 13 times. As of now, the perpetrators remain at large.
Local journalists, speaking anonymously, expressed their fear and concern following the incident. They believe that Joki’s murder serves as a reminder that their safety remains unchanged, despite the presence of a new government.
“The powerful individuals in society seem to enjoy impunity, and the police, who should protect us, have failed in their duty. This unfortunate incident presents an opportunity for the police to redeem themselves,” shared a journalist in Lesotho.
The Media Institute of Southern Africa’s (MISA) Lesotho chapter voiced their collective anguish over the incident, emphasizing that freedom of expression and press freedom are fundamental to a functioning democracy.
Lesotho has experienced political turmoil and a decline in democratic values over the past decade. In 2017, the National Reform Agenda was established to restore democracy, with a focus on promoting freedom of expression and association, including a free media.
Despite hopes for positive change, journalists now feel disillusioned. They call on Prime Minister Sam Matekane to take decisive action to ensure the country’s peace, security, and the safety of journalists.
In response to Joki’s murder, Minister of Police Lebona Lephema announced a countrywide curfew from 22:00 to 04:00 as investigations continue.
Angela Quintal, Africa program coordinator for the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), emphasized the need for swift accountability, citing a previous case where justice was delayed.
Joki, known by the moniker “Leqhashasha” (meaning smart and brave), hosted the prime-time current affairs show “Hlokoana-La-Tsela” (I heard it through the grapevine). The show was known for tackling government policies, corruption, and agriculture.
Joki’s investigative reporting led to the exposure of five politicians involved in the illegal alcohol trade, resulting in the expulsion of seven Lesotho diplomats from South Africa. His tenacious journalism garnered both praise and enemies.
According to his colleagues, Joki received threats on Facebook between March and April this year. Kananelo Boloetse, chairperson of MISA Lesotho, stated that there is every reason to believe that the attack was connected to Joki’s work.
