Journalist Kananelo Boloetse abducted and assaulted in Lesotho

Journalist and human rights defender Kananelo Boloetse was abducted from his home in Katlehong, Maseru, on 5 September 2026. According to reports, three unidentified men forced him from his residence, handcuffed him, and used duct tape to seal his mouth during the assault.

Boloetse, an editor for Newsday Media and former chairperson of MISA Lesotho, was reportedly interrogated regarding his journalism and human rights advocacy. He was subjected to physical abuse and death threats before being abandoned injured in Thaba-Bosiu. Following the attack, he received medical treatment and filed a police complaint in Maseru.

Rights organizations, including Amnesty International, the International Federation of Journalists, and MISA Lesotho, are calling on Lesotho authorities to conduct an independent investigation. There are concerns that Boloetse may have been under surveillance prior to the attack, following reports of a silver Toyota Starlet loitering near his home.