Former first lady’s bail cancelled, Justice Molete’s passing and the 7th session of The Love Letter: here’s a glimpse of what happened over the weekend in Lesotho and around the globe.
1Local News
The Apex Court has cancelled Acting Chief Justice ’Maseforo Mahase’s order to release the former First Lady ’Maesaiah Thabane on bail. ’Maesaiah is accused of conspiring to kill the former Prime Minister’s second wife, Lipolelo Thabane, in June 2017. Justice Mahase’s decision to grant bail was challenged before the court of Appeal by Thomas Thabane Jnr, Khauhelo Molapo, Thuto Mokhooane and Thato Sibolla. [’Maesiah’s bail cancelled, Public Eye Online]
2Local Headlines
Lesotho’s Justice Lebohang Molete passed away in the wee hours of Saturday, May 30th 2020 on the way to hospital. According to the family spokesperson, Advocate Mohale Thipe, the Justice had earlier suffered a stroke and had frequently sought medical attention lately. He is survived by his wife ‘Maboitumelo and two sons, Bereng and Tlotliso. The 61-year-old Judge Molete was the first Mosotho judge to join the Commercial bench under the mentorship of Australian David Lyon. [Lesotho’s Justice Molete dies, Newsworth]
3Global Headlines
The prime minister of Mauritius, Pravind Jugnauth, has announced the lifting of the strict coronavirus lockdown from Sunday, May 31st 2020. Since March 20, people were allowed to leave their homes if they have a work permit and residents were allowed out to supermarkets on certain days – dependent on the first letter of their surname. Restaurants, markets and places of worship will also be able to open if they follow certain conditions to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. However, beaches, nightclubs and cinemas will remain closed. Mauritius has recorded 335 cases of COVID-19, including 10 deaths and its borders remain closed [Mauritius to end lockdown but beaches remain closed, BBC]
4In Lifestyle
The 7th session of The Love Letter was held on Sunday, May 31st 2020. The 7 hour virtual show describes itself as Lesotho’s first and only online party and is live every Sunday. It showcases a number of Lesotho’s artists and has been airing for over a month. Audiences can tune in via SkyAlpha or through Mosotho oa Lesotho’s social media platforms.
5What We’re Reading
This brilliant article is a conversation with Rosebell Kagumire, a writer, award-winning blogger, pan-African feminist, socio-political analyst and the curator and editor of the African Feminism website. It is part of an important conversation about the problematic coverage of African women in the mainstream media. [Feminist organizing on digital platforms, Africa is a country].