THE INTENSIFIED REPORT

Thomas Thabane, prime minister of Lesotho Thomas Thabane, Prime Minister of Lesotho has said that he is stepping down, ending months of political uncertainty gripping the kingdom since he was accused of playing a part in the death of his ex-wife. Speaking to supporters on Monday, inhis Abia home constituency on the outskirts of the capital, Maseru, he said, "I decided to personally come and inform you that I am stepping down as Prime Minister of Lesotho." Thabane did not state when he will officially quit and clarified that he will remain leader of his governing All Basotho Convention (ABC) party for the time being. "It is rather difficult to part ways with something that you have been accustomed to and leave people behind, but we all have to leave at some point," he said.

Lesotho's Prime Minister Thomas Thabane will be charged with the killing of his estranged wife, the deputy police commissioner has said The prime minister will appear at the Maseru Magistrates Court on Friday "to face a murder charge in connection with the killing of Lipolelo Thabane", Deputy Commissioner of Police Paseka Mokete said on Thursday. The 80-year-old Thabane took to the radio to announce he would step down at the end of July but chose not to mention the murder case. He cited old age as a reason for quitting as leader of the tiny, mountainous territory encircled by South Africa.  "I have served my country diligently," Thabane said. "I've worked for a peaceful and stable Lesotho. Today ... at my age, I have lost most of my energy ... I hereby retire as prime minister with effect from the end of July." Thabane had been under mounting pressure over the death of former First Lady Lipolelo, who was shot dead in