Lesotho diplomat accuses LNDC CEO of engineering dismissal

A diplomat has accused Thabo Khasipe, the Chief Executive Officer of the Lesotho National Development Corporation (LNDC), of orchestrating his dismissal from a posting in Geneva, Switzerland. Retšelisitsoe Lesane, the Third Secretary at Lesotho’s Permanent Mission in Geneva, claims the removal was a result of a personal fallout with Khasipe’s wife, Minister Counsellor Matebello Khasipe.

Mr. Lesane alleges that after a relationship with Mrs. Khasipe soured, the conflict escalated into disciplinary proceedings involving allegations of sexual harassment. He claims Mr. Khasipe used his influence to push for his removal, even discussing the matter in a Cabinet meeting.

The dismissal has triggered a legal battle between Mr. Lesane and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Relations. The government is currently facing a contempt of court application following allegations that it proceeded with the termination despite an interim Labour Court order halting the process. The government has stated the decision was made by the Public Service Commission.