BNP LEADER AND RCC PASTOR APPEAR IN COURT FOR CONTRAVENING INTERNAL SECURITY ACT
	The Leader of the Basotho National Party (BNP) Major General Metsing Lekhanya and Father Gabriel Lehloka of the Roman Catholic Church (RCC) appeared before the magistrate court on Wednesday charged with contravening the provisions of Internal Security Act. Father Lehloka is accused of possession of an LM4 rifle with 62 rounds of ammunition and three magazines found on July 05 at 'Our Lady of Victory' RCC mission without a valid certificate. The BNP leader is also charged for contravention of the Internal Security Act together with some members of his family in that they were found in possession of a 9mm Pietro Biretta with eleven rounds of ammunition and seven short gun grenades tear gas smoke without a certificate granted by relevant authority. The accused include Sophie Lekhanya, Palesa Lekhanya, Mokhosoa Christopher Lekhanya and Rethabile Lekhanya; while the property was found in their possession at Lower Thetsane on July 05. Maj.Gen Lekhanya and Sophie Lekhanya (his wife) also appeared in court facing a charge of illegally possession of a .22 Revolver Astra Unceta and an Auto Pistol Parabellum (SPI) whose serial numbers were rubbed off. He is also facing a charge under the said law in that he was found in possession of an Uzi firearm with 24 rounds of ammunition and two empty magazines at Lower Thetsane on July 05. The said charges are all based on that the firearms were in their possession without valid certificates. The accused were released on bail on condition that each, pay a bail deposit of M450.00 per charge. The appearance was before the magistrate Mr. Mojela Mothebe and the prosecutor was Ms. Linkeng Khubetsoana, while Advocates Mokaloba and Hlaoli appeared for the accused.
	Source: LENA