Lesotho diplomats are expelled from South Africa due to the sale of illegal alcohol.

Last updated on September 11th, 2021 at 07:58 am

On Thursday, Lesotho said that three of its diplomats had been expelled from South Africa for illegally selling duty-free alcohol. 

South Africa has given diplomats and their families 72 hours to leave the country, according to Maseru’s foreign affairs ministry. The decision was made because the diplomats broke the law, “particularly, the illicit trade in duty-free alcohol,” according to a statement from South Africa. 

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Lesotho diplomats have been importing alcohol into the nation without paying duty and then reselling it in bars and restaurants, according to South African media.

“Several Basotho diplomats have been designated persona non grata” by South Africa, the ministry reacted “disappointment and embarrassment.” When the officers returned home, it vowed disciplinary action. A leaked note from the South African government to Maseru’s foreign ministry, detailing 12 diplomats who “had misused their diplomatic privileges,” includes spouses. 

South Africa’s foreign ministry did not immediately respond to queries for comment.