Thomas Thabane denies being involved in the murder of his then-wife in 2017
MASERU, April 21 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Lesotho’s government has agreed that Prime Minister Thomas Thabane, who is accused of murdering his estranged wife, will immediately resign.
The deal brokered with the help of South African mediators is said to promise the prime minister a “dignified and secure” exit from office.
A joint statement, signed by South African mediator Jeff Radebe and Lesotho Deputy Prime Minister Monyane Moleleki said: “The coalition government of the Kingdom of Lesotho commits to effecting the implementation process or modalities for the dignified, graceful and secure retirement of the right honourable prime minister.”
Radebe later told journalists that although Thabane had pledged to step down in July, the timeline stipulated in the deal was “immediate”.
“There are one or two issues that need to be traversed in order to ensure that all political parties are of the same mind in terms of speeding up that parliamentary process,” he added.
It is not yet clear if he will agree to stand down immediately, as the deal stipulates.
Thabane has been under pressure to resign over suspicions he was involved in the killing in 2017.
His current wife has been charged. Both deny any involvement in the murder.
Thabane appeared in court in February, where his lawyer argued that his position granted him immunity from prosecution.
Gunmen shot and killed Thabane’s then-wife Lipolelo Thabane on June 14, 2017. Officials charged Thabane’s current wife Maesaiah with the murder this year, and also named Thabane as a suspect – although he has not yet been formally charged.
Lesotho has been plunged into a political crisis over the accusations.
On Saturday Thabane deployed the army on the streets, accusing law enforcement agencies in the kingdom of undermining democracy. A day later, South African diplomats stepped in to try and calm tensions. — NNN-AGENCIES
