Lesotho imposes nationwide curfew in attempt to curb violent crime

Officials in the small African kingdom of Lesotho imposed an indefinite curfew nationwide in an attempt to stop violent crime after the death of a prominent journalist.

The curfew was necessary "to prevent danger or harm to public safety," Police Commissioner Holomo Molibeli said. Police Minister Lebona Lephema said the curfew was needed after a spate of recent killings.

Lesotho, a country of about 2.1 million people that is completely surrounded by South Africa, has severe problems with violent crime. It has one of the highest homicide rates in the world, and the highest in Africa, according to U.N. statistics.

The curfew has been criticized by business representatives and Lesotho's national law society, which called it draconian. Only essential service providers like health workers, police and journalists are allowed to move around during the curfew hours. Most businesses must close.