Basotho gang known as “Marashea” terrorise South African communities

LESOTHO – A trusted source in Lesotho shed more light on the gang of Basotho nationals known as Marashea. Members of them are usually involved in illegal mining activities in South Africa.

The gang is reported to be terrorising communities in South Africa with the main targeted areas situated in the West Rand. In June, 158 armed undocumented Lesotho nationals were arrested at a roadblock in the Free State. A shootout ensued when the police tried to stop 16 vehicles from crossing into South Africa. Furthermore, one person was injured.

“Most of them meet right there in South Africa. They cross the borders, you can see that our borders are so porous so they go to South Africa through those porous borders and then they regroup when they are in South Africa. There may be someone recruiting them here to go and work there. Apparently, when they are in South Africa, they work with one of those groups so that they are protected or something like that.”