Journalist Kananelo Boloetse reportedly abducted and assaulted in Lesotho

Amnesty International is calling for an urgent, independent investigation by Lesotho authorities following the reported abduction and assault of journalist and human rights defender Kananelo Boloetse.

Reports indicate that on September 5, 2026, Boloetse was taken from his home in Katlehong, Maseru, by three unidentified men. During the incident, he was allegedly interrogated regarding his journalism and human rights work, assaulted, and threatened with death. He was later abandoned in Thaba-Bosiu, located approximately 20–25 km east of Maseru.

Vongai Chikwanda, Amnesty International’s Deputy Regional Director for East and Southern Africa, stated that the incident raises serious concerns regarding the safety of journalists and human rights defenders in the country. The organization is demanding that authorities guarantee Boloetse’s safety and ensure that any suspects are brought to justice through fair proceedings.