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SADC meets over Lesotho

Foreign ministers from three SADC countries have met over reports of an attempted coup in Lesotho.

Lesotho’s Prime Minister Thomas Thabane fled to South Africa after an attempted coup of the tiny African kingdom on 30 August 2014. Picture: AFP
Lesotho’s Prime Minister Thomas Thabane fled to South Africa after an attempted coup of the tiny African kingdom on 30 August 2014. Picture: AFP
| 2143 days ago

JOHANNESBURG - The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (Dirco) has confirmed foreign ministers of three Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries, including South Africa, have met to discuss reports of an attempted coup in Lesotho.

South Africa called the meeting with Zimbabwe and Namibia in its capacity as chair of SADC's organ on politics and defence to try and find a solution to issues affecting Lesotho.

Apart from the SADC meeting, the department says they cannot confirm nor deny another apparent meeting between President Jacob Zuma, Lesotho Prime Minister Thomas Thabane and members of the kingdoms' coalition government.

But Eyewitness News understands senior officials from Lesotho were ferried to the Union Buildings on Sunday afternoon for a planned meeting with Zuma to discuss the recent unrest in the country.

On Saturday, Thabane fled Lesotho fearing for his life after he accused the military of seizing power in a coup.

The situation in Lesotho appears to be calm, although residents say they've been shaken by the fighting.

WATCH: SA won't tolerate Lesotho coup

ATTEMPTED ASSASSINATION

Meanwhile, reports of an attempted assassination of a top military commander has threatened to plunge the country into further turmoil.

Gunmen apparently attacked the Maseru home of Lieutenant-General Maaparankoe Mahao on Sunday morning, deepening a seeming battle for control of the military.

The apparent attack on Mahao was reportedly unsuccessful and his whereabouts remain unknown.

Mahao had been appointed head of the Lesotho's defence force by Thabane shortly before he was forced to flee to South Africa.

Previous commander, Lieutenant-General Tlali Kamoli, was accused of leading the coup attempt, a charge the military denies.

As lives returned to normal, it's still unclear who was in charge of the country since Thabane fled.

However this concern of mass anti-government demonstration planned for today could turn violent.

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