Robin Meakins

...and None Were Innocent: Unreliable Memories of Lesotho's Struggle Against Apartheid Robin Meakins

This is the story of the Kingdom of Lesotho and its struggle with Apartheid South Africa. It starts with the Soweto uprising and follows two youths as they flee across South Africa to Lesotho. In Lesotho they are helped by ANC members and finish their studies and go to Roma University. Their behaviour is witnessed by a British lecturer and his black wife. The couple experience the tensions, fears and terror that spread throughout the region. As South Africa's patience with Lesotho ran out for harbouring ANC bases, especially Chris Hani, they decided on military action. Initially a fierce attack on reported ANC bases took place - the Maseru Masacre. This only made Lesotho more uncooperative. South Africa waited as the ANC divided between the military wing and the more aggressive young comrades. The latter subjected students and staff to the rules of the townships using kangaroo courts and threats of necklacing. When the government of Lesotho was getting unpopular South Africa attacked the fuel and food supplies and closed the borders, effectively beseigning Lesotho. As the lack of food and fuel took effect the Lesotho Army took power to establish a compliant regime. Shortly afterwards the Lesotho Prime Minister died in prison. Violence is widespread. Mysteriously President Samora Machel of Mozambique dies in an aircrash. Then during the visit of Pope John Paul II to Southern Africa gunmen occupied the British High Commission in Lesotho and threatenned the Pope. Hundreds of less prominent people disappeared or were murdered. Ritual murder and witchcraft re-emerged often explained as traditional herbal medicine. In the end violence engulfed everybody making some flee, some suffer, while others were driven nearly insane or died, Only when the post Apartheid era brings justice will these wounds heal.