Justin Lekhanya

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Justin Metsing Lekhanya (7 April 1938 – 20 January 2021) was a Lesotho soldier and politician who led the country as head of government from 1986 to 1991. He was the Minister of Defence and the Chairman of the Military Council, the country’s ruling body, from 24 January 1986 to 2 May 1991.

Lekhanya was born in Thaba-Tseka and went to Catholic schools. He worked in South Africa as a migrant miner before joining the Basutoland Mounted Police in 1960. He rose to command the Police Mobile Unit and helped turn it into the Lesotho Defence Force, becoming its general. In 1986 he led a coup that overthrew Prime Minister Leabua Jonathan. He later clashed with the king and helped depose the king in 1990; the king was restored in 1995, and Lekhanya was toppled in 1991.

After leaving power, Lekhanya stayed active in politics. He led the Basotho National Party (BNP), ran for parliament several times, and served in the National Assembly by proportional representation. He faced suspensions and internal party leadership changes, and in 2010 he lost the BNP’s leadership. Lekhanya died on 20 January 2021 in Maseru.