This project reflects an investigation into the allegations surrounding Lesotho Prime Minister Samuel Matekane's administration, which is accused of shielding Letšeng Diamonds Mine from significant fines and potential legal consequences. The assertion suggests that the government, under Matekane's leadership, has concealed evidence indicating the mine's unchecked water pollution.
Letšeng Diamonds Mine, co-owned by London Stock Exchange-listed company Gem Diamonds (70 percent) and the Lesotho government (remaining share), paid M6.7 billion in contracts to Matekane between 2012 and 2021. Despite recent controversies over the mine's lease agreement, extended four years before its expiration, emerging evidence confirms a continuation of water pollution.
Section 7.1.3 of the lease agreement underscores the mine's obligation to comply with environmental laws, with any breach deemed a violation of the agreement.
Despite possessing the incriminating evidence of water pollution, the government, under Matekane's regime, remains unmoved and has consistently announced investigations into claims of Letšeng's adverse impact on water sources crucial to the survival of rural communities and their livestock.
This project aims to conduct a ground-breaking exposé, revealing how Matekane's administration may be safeguarding its lucrative contract with Letšeng by concealing and denying existing evidence of water pollution in Lesotho.
