A prominent Mosotho investigative journalist was shot and killed in Maseru, the capital of the Kingdom of Lesotho by unknown gunmen.

The journalist, Ralikonelo Joki is reported to have been killed when he was driving out of Tsénolo FM radio on Sunday, May 14, 2023.

In a BBC report, Tsénolo FM’s manager Mshengu Shabalala said Joki “was shot twice as he was driving out of the station's premises” on Sunday night.

The murder of the journalist has triggered rage, especially among journalists and protection bodies calling for proper investigations to bring those responsible to book.

In a bid to restore order amid the chaos, Lesotho’s Minister of Police has declared a curfew from the hours of 22:00 to 4:00 local time to begin on Tuesday, May 16, 2023, in a televised address.

The minister said the curfew "is to ensure order is restored" amid escalating crime cases in the country.

The life of a journalist in Lesotho has over the years been the most difficult to live as they are either shot, assaulted or flee the country over threats on their lives.

ABJ/YNA