DCEO USING TORTURE TO EXTRACT FALSE CONFESSIONS  

 

Frazer Solar GmbH (FSG) is concerned but not surprised at the Metro Lesotho article of 15 February 2023 outlining how the Lesotho government's Directorate on Corruption and Economic Offences (DCEO) officials are using torture to extract false confessions for non-existent crimes.  

 

The Metro article explains how two businesspeople have been tortured to force them to falsely implicate themselves and a government official of committing non-existent crimes of corruption and money laundering.  

 

Complaining to the court at the ‘torture and inhumane treatment’ meted out by the DCEO, the judge presiding has ordered DCEO to stop ‘assaulting’ people.  Whether the DCEO complies with this order remains to be seen.  

 

A FSG spokesperson said “This shows a failure of the core tenents of a free and open society being presumed innocence, adherence to the rule of law, and following due process.  Unless the government takes steps, Lesotho is moving closer towards being a failed state.  If Prime Minister Matekane is serious about improving the Kingdom, he can start with the DCEO.”  

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To download a PDF copy of the Metro Lesotho article click here.

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Notes to Editors
 

In January 2020, an independent arbitrator ruled in Frazer Solar’s favour concerning a series of contractual breaches committed by the Kingdom of Lesotho, related to a renewable energy project developed by the company. Lesotho was ordered to pay Frazer Solar €50 million in damages but failed to do so.

 

Consequently, in May 2021, Frazer Solar’s lawyers commenced a worldwide enforcement action against assets held by the Kingdom.