Lesotho Implements Curfew to Combat Gun Violence Following Journalist’s Murder.

In an effort to combat gun violence in Lesotho, authorities have implemented an indefinite curfew. The move comes after radio journalist Ralikonelo Joki was shot multiple times by unknown attackers. The curfew, which began on Tuesday, prohibits residents from being outside between 10pm and 4am. Those who fail to comply may face a fine or up to two years in jail. Police Minister Lebona Lephema stated that the curfew aims to tackle gun violence across the country, which has been on the rise. Joki, a prominent radio presenter, was killed on Sunday night as he was leaving his workplace in Maseru. The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has called for a thorough investigation into Joki’s killing and for those responsible to be brought to justice. The CPJ noted that Joki had received death threats related to his work as a journalist prior to his death. Gang-related shootings are common in Lesotho, where there are a large number of unlicensed firearms in circulation.