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World

Lesotho police told to abandon posts out of fear of attack; Tense capital waits for PM return

Associated Press
Published | Updated
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    A Lesotho Defence Force member displays arms and ammunition confiscated from police at army barracks in Maseru, Lesotho, Monday, Sept. 1, 2014. Southern Africa's regional body said Monday it will send an envoy and an observer team to Lesotho to help restore stability and security in the mountainous kingdom where military actions over the weekend caused the prime minister to flee. (AP Photo) (The Associated Press)

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    In THIS , Sunday Aug. 31, 2014 photo, an armed soldier stands outside the military headquarters in Maseru, Lesotho. Lesotho's prime minister fled to South Africa in fear for his safety and will now meet with leaders of the region there to seek peace, he said Sunday. Prime Minister Thomas Thabane said there had been an attempt to take over Lesotho, a country of about 2 million people that is surrounded by South Africa. Lesotho's Defense Forces deny any attempt at a coup although they say the military exchanged gunfire and disarmed two police stations in Lesotho's capital, Maseru, on Saturday. (AP Photo) (The Associated Press)

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    In this Sunday, Aug. 31, 2014 photo, army personnel man outside the military headquarters in Maseru, Lesotho. Lesotho's prime minister fled to South Africa in fear for his safety and will now meet with leaders of the region there to seek peace, he said Sunday. Prime Minister Thomas Thabane said there had been an attempt to take over Lesotho, a country of about 2 million people that is surrounded by South Africa. Lesotho's Defense Forces deny any attempt at a coup although they say the military exchanged gunfire and disarmed two police stations in Lesotho's capital, Maseru, on Saturday. (AP Photo) (The Associated Press)

MASERU, Lesotho – A Lesotho official says police have been told to abandon their posts and not wear uniforms to avoid being targeted in attacks during the country's continuing power vacuum.

Assistant Police Commissioner Lehloka Maphatsoe said Tuesday he heard reports of an alleged attack on a police training school late Monday.

At least one policeman was killed when the military disarmed police stations on Saturday. Radios were jammed in what the prime minister said was a coup attempt in the country of 2 million people.

Prime Minister Thomas Thabane fled to South Africa, where he has been meeting with regional leaders. It is unclear when he will return to Lesotho.

Southern Africa's 15-nation regional body says it will urgently send an envoy and observers to Lesotho to help restore stability and security.