It is with great distress that the MNN Centre for Investigative Journalism has learned of the barbaric and cowardly actions of assailants who assassinated Tšenolo FM’s program anchor Ralikonelo Joki, who was affectionately known as Leqhashasha.

Mr. Joki was gunned down by unknown assailants when he left the Tšenolo FM premises Sunday night after his program.

Mr. Joki’s murder is not only a painful loss to his Wife, Children, and family but also to the entire media fraternity.

Our sincere condolences go to Joki’s wife, children, and entire family through these trying times.

The loss of Mr. Joki’s life in this senseless murder shakes the foundation of freedom of speech and press in Lesotho. This incident reverses much progress made toward media freedom and calls for more to be done to promote the freedom of the media in Lesotho.

The MNN condemns this cowardly act that silenced Joki and implores the Lesotho government and police to investigate and bring Joki’s killers to justice speedily. It is our fervent belief and hope that this cowardice will not deter our colleagues in the media fraternity from discharging their duty to this great nation. We must continue to hold power to account.