Opposition puts squeeze on Matekane

The tentacles of controversial entrepreneur and suspected underworld figure Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala could reach as high as the Lesotho prime minister's office.

- By Mpho Koka

Recently, the leader of the Mountain Kingdom’s opposition political party fanned the flames when he asked Prime Minister Sam Matekane if he has any relationship with the controversial South African. Matekane is yet to answer the question.

Machesetsa Mofomobe, the leader of Basotho National Party (BNP) and a member of the national assembly, asked Matekane if Matlala attended his inauguration on October 28 2022 and whether Matekane had ever visited Matlala at his Gauteng residence.

The questions, dated July 31, 2025, were asked in writing in parliament after a source disclosed the relationship to Mofomobe.

Mofomobe told Sunday World this week: “After Matlala was arrested in May, a person who is part of his inner circle contacted me and told me that Matlala and the prime minister have a close relationship.

“The person said Matlala was present at the prime minister’s inauguration, and that the prime minister had visited Matlala at his Gauteng residence.”