Transcript: Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa's comment following visit to Lesotho
We came here at the request of President Jacob Zuma who is the chairperson of the organ in SADC of Peace and Security. I came here to deliver a specific message to the Prime Minister, Phakalitha Mosisili that they (SADC) would like the Prime Minister to come to the Troika summit that is going to be held on Friday in Pretoria.
Also to respond to the Prime Ministers request; Prime Minister Mosisili has requested that SADC should assist with the investigation into the death of Lieutenant General Mahao, as well as to assist with the pathology examination around his death.
South Africa will be sending pathologists, to do the examination and other countries in the region; Zimbabwe and Namibia will be sending investigators to investigate the circumstances around Lieutenant General Mahao’s death.
But in the process we also took the opportunity to meet other stakeholders. We met parties in the opposition, we met the churches, we met the NGOs and also His Majesty King Letsie III.
And no doubt everyone is very concerned about the passing of Lieutenant General Mahao.
I was initially informed by the Deputy Prime Minister (Mothetjoa Metsing) about Lieutenant Mahao’s death.
Even in that case the Deputy Prime Minister expressed his deep concern and worry about it and nearly everyone that we met is deeply worried and concerned about his death. It is this that has prompted the leaders in the region to call a summit of the Double Troika.
They will meet on Friday and have a discussion in the presence and with the participation of Prime Minister Mosisili. And I am sure that out of that discussion will come suggestions, proposals and solutions of how to take matters forward here in Lesotho.
Our trip was a good trip, we were well received. We ended up by going to visit the family (of Lieutenant General Mahao), the widow at her home and we passed our condolences to Lieutenant General Mahao’s brother as well and uncles. We spent the time comforting them and passing on our good wishes and our condolences.
Thank you very much
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