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• Posted by: Makalang Mokere
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Allegations making mention of Letšeng Diamonds in media articles published by the Post and Lesotho Times Newspapers relating to Tholo Energy

The Post newspaper (18-24 July, 2024) in Lesotho published content contained in an affidavit provided to the Lesotho courts reportedly by Tumisang Thahanyane, the former COO and CFO of Tholo Energy.  In this affidavit, allegations of corruption have been made against a former Letšeng manager.  Similar allegations of corruption are also made against a Sasol SA executive manager in relation to the awarding of an explosives transport sub-contract to Tholo Energy from Sasol’s subsidiary Enaex Africa.

In addition, the Lesotho Times Newspaper (25–31 July), published content contained in an affidavit provided to the Lesotho courts reportedly by ’Malerato Khutlisi which included similar allegations and statements allegedly made by Letšeng’s lawyers and also by the Directorate on Corruption and Economic Offences (DCEO).

These articles and the affidavits referenced therein have brought to the attention of Letšeng various allegations of corruption; these are allegations which Letšeng has noted and takes seriously. As much as these allegations are now in the public domain, it should be noted that they relate to matters that are currently pending before the courts of law.

However, because Letšeng is named in these allegations and considering the potential reputational damage that it could carry, it is important for Letšeng to place on record that:

• A fuel supply contract which existed between Letšeng and Tholo Energy was terminated in 2022.
• A fuel-supply related criminal case was reported by Letšeng to various law enforcement agencies, including the DCEO in November 2021 and to the police in Letšeng, Mokhotlong in December 2021.
• It disappointingly appears from Letšeng’s consistent follow up with the relevant authorities that there has not been much progress and that the matter remains under investigation. The relevant authorities have recently requested further additional information as part of their investigations and Letšeng has provided such requested information.
• The former Letšeng manager implicated in these allegations has not been an employee of Letšeng since 2019. Nevertheless, these allegations are a serious matter that remains subject to further and on-going investigations as the process unfolds.
• It has also emerged from allegations extracted from the said affidavits that significant payments were made by Tholo Energy to a senior executive of a service provider (Sasol SA) to Letšeng for having assisted Tholo Energy secure the contract for transportation of explosives to the Letšeng mine. Letšeng does not have a direct contract with any service provider for the transportation of explosives, it relies on a 3^rd party contractor through Enaex Africa (a subsidiary of Sasol SA) to supply the explosives to the mine. Discussions have been held with Sasol SA who have informed Letšeng that they are investigating the matter and that the they are following due process.

 

Notwithstanding the legal processes and criminal investigations that are ongoing, Letšeng continues to fully assist and cooperate with the relevant authorities and is also conducting its own independent investigations into these allegations. Letšeng remains committed to assist the Lesotho law enforcement and judicial agencies to carry out their responsibilities.

 

This media statement is an official notice issued by Letšeng Diamonds.

For any further information regarding this statement please contact the office of the Chief Executive Officer, Letšeng Diamonds on +266 2222 1800.