News

The Wayback Machine - https://web.archive.org/web/20181116074553/http://www.lmps.org.ls:80/rss?containerid=108

Newshttp://www.lmps.org.ls:80/newsNewsFather sexually abuse daughter, 7,http://www.lmps.org.ls:80/news/father-sexual-abuse-daughter-7 By: Mareabetsoe Mofoka<o:p></o:p> Thaba-Tseka: Molupe Sechele ,26, of Ha Theko Ha Sehloho Bokong had been remanded in custody for sexually harassing his daughter aged seven years.<o:p></o:p> Molupe appeared before Thaba-Tseka magistrate court on the 9th February 2016 charged with sexual offence he committed upon her daughter.  <o:p></o:p> Evidence presented before court revealed that on the 24th January 2016, the accused had sexual intercourse with his biological daughter. <o:p></o:p> The child was noticed by her teachers who reported the matter to the headman and to the police. <o:p></o:p> The child was given a medical form and the doctor proved that the child was indeed raped. <o:p></o:p> According to the investigator of this case, Police Constable Thabo Matekane the matter was reported to the police on the 26th January 2016. <o:p></o:p> Police were also informed that the accused had fled. “Molupe ran away when he heard that we were after him. We arrested him at a village called Ha Nkokana, where he was staying with his lover”, Matekane said. <o:p></o:p> He further explained that there are many cases reported of this nature; where minors are raped, but this was the first time he dealt with father-daughter sexual harassment. <o:p></o:p> He explained that the accused person was sentenced to five years imprisonment in 2005 for sexual offence he committed upon a girl aged six years. <o:p></o:p> The accused has repeated the same offence and this time to her daughter. <o:p></o:p> The mother died in October 2015. <o:p></o:p> Inspector Molahlehi Maluke confirmed that this case was reported before Bokong Police. <o:p></o:p> Insp. Maluke expressed his distress for sexual offences committed to minors. <o:p></o:p> He appealed to the Basotho nation at large to desist from these embarrassing deeds and urged them to protect and love their<a name="_GoBack"></a> children. <o:p></o:p> The child has been taken to the orphanage while his father will reappear before court on the 17th February 2016 for bail application.<o:p></o:p> Mon, 15 Feb 2016 13:19:58 GMThttp://www.lmps.org.ls:80/news/father-sexual-abuse-daughter-7Police seek for a lasting peace between two rival familieshttp://www.lmps.org.ls:80/Contents/Item/Display/622Thabiso Thaanyane Maseru: The on going killings at the plateau of Matsieng has forced the police, Chief Masupha Seeiso and community leaders to hold a public gathering on 9th February, 2016 with the intention to bring it to an end. "The cold blood killings within the Mojela and Rant&scaron;o families have resulted in about 19 lives," stated one villager. Chief Masupha Seeiso urged police to give feedback on the incidents which occurred at Ha Mphethe and Folene where villagers were also at arms so that the public could be up to date. He further accused some headmen for failing to report the gun shots that were heard during the funeral services of people who where killed in their villages.   He appealed to the community to give evidence as there is no case that could be heard without evidence or with single evidence within the courts of law. He informed the public that the laws of Lesotho requires that for a person to be found guilty there should be more than one evidence against him or her. “I surrendered one of the suspects in these killings to the Morija Police and was not taken to court because of lack of evidence, but crime has occurred!” Chief Masupha who was worried of people’s reluctance to give evidence said. When addressing a heavily gathered Matsieng public, Senior Assistant Commissioner of Police (S/ACP) Mpota Nthako said they have gathered because of the brutal assassination of 19 people and burning of nine households around Matsieng plateau.   Most of these people were murdered with a gun. A pattern of killing of these families differ with the other, the other one conducted their deadly operations daylight while the other one operated at night. ACP Nthako implored the concerned communities not only to give information but also be bold enough and give evidence before the courts of law in order to assist police to win their battle against these heinous killings. When laying down the public’s fear that one of the suspects Lebohang Rant&scaron;o is seen else where but not arrested by the police, ACP Nthako mentioned that Rant&scaron;o was earlier arrested for the murder of Thabiso Nkuke, Shoaepane Mojela and Mothusi Shea and was later released on bail. <o:p> </o:p> “Rant&scaron;o is wanted again for the murder of ‘Mamohato Mojela and others who were attacked at her house”, ACP Nthako said.   He further revealed that though community only know about 17 murders which occurred in Lesotho other people of the same villages were murdered in South Africa, such as Sekake Mojela and Mokete Rant&scaron;o.       He concluded by saying that the management of LMPS has authorized the deployment of  camping police officers at Ha Mojela in order to monitor the situation. Community council Mr. Pheta Ramashamole said the death of 17 villagers and burning of houses is a failure of police to react on time. He indicated that police arrived at scene about five hours late after they have been alerted of crime. He further complained about a lack of network availability which bars them from giving information on time. The other villager Mr. Takalimane Kutoane indicated that police do arrest people but they are released on bail by courts of law. He urged the LMPS management to establish a police post that would serve their villages since they are far away from Morija Police. Furthermore he complained about a bad road which is also a barrier for police and ambulance to provide them with services. <o:p> </o:p> <o:p> </o:p>    Fri, 12 Feb 2016 04:12:00 GMThttp://www.lmps.org.ls:80/Contents/Item/Display/622WOMAN DIES OVER WITCHCRAFThttp://www.lmps.org.ls:80/news/woman-dies-over-witchcraftBy: ‘Mareabetsoe Mofoka<o:p></o:p> Maseru: Three siblings ‘Makhimirone Malumane aged 39 years,  Moroesi Malumane aged 35 and their brother Maleke Malumane aged 28 appeared before Mohale Magistrate court on the 25th January, 2016 accused of killing a 63-year-old woman over witchcraft. They were remanded in custody and will reappear in court on the 5th February 2016. This took place at Ha Makotoko in the outskirts of Maseru. According to the investigator of this case Sub-Inspector Motonosi Mofaso<a name="_GoBack"></a> of Matela Police, they received a report at about 07:00hrs from the headman that the deceased has been attacked by her relatives. Upon arrival, they found the deceased badly burnt and assaulted; but she could talk. She was confirmed dead when they arrived at Queen Mamohato Memorial Hospital. Sub- Insp. Mofaso further explained that suspects alleged that the deceased has killed their brother who died on the 21st January 2016 after being admitted at hospital due to terrible headache. He got sick on the 19th January 2016 and died on the 21st January 2016. Narrating the occurrences of that day, Su-b Insp. Mofaso said that suspects called the deceased to their place and furiously asked her to return their brother; they took her back to her place and burnt her using petrol. Their brother assaulted her with a lebetlela stick and a home-made sable that have been seized as exhibits.   Officer Commanding Matela Police Senior Inspector Mosito Mokhethi urged the community to stop taking the law into their own hands and rather use other measures to solve their disputes.  ‘’Witchcraft is not defined within the laws of this country because there is no evidence that can prove that a person is a witch’’, he said. S/Insp. Mokhethi further explained that this is the first incidence where a person is killed over sorcery. He confirmed that police mediated between the accused and the deceased sometime last year with the same allegation; and it seemed they had reached a consensus. <o:p> </o:p> Tue, 02 Feb 2016 08:02:37 GMThttp://www.lmps.org.ls:80/news/woman-dies-over-witchcraftThamae Police recover stolen properties http://www.lmps.org.ls:80/news/the-great-recoveryBy: Thabang Mohloki Maseru- The community of Ha Thamae was filled with joy as it recovered its stolen properties from the house of a suspect who later escaped before police could arrived  on Monday 26th January 2016. Thamae police report shows that some members of the community identified their properties at the scene while others went to police station where they identified theirs. According to report one member of Ha Thamae community who is a complainant in the case of house breaking with intend to steal and theft which occurred during the festive season suspected one man wearing a pair of trousers which was similar to his. It is alleged the complainant went to the headman’s place to report his suspicion thus where he was given some men to go and search his place with him.  “I was told that on their arrival they indeed identified some stolen properties in the presence of the suspects and the landlord,” Officer Commanding Thamae Police Station Senior Inspector (S/Insp) Thoma Sephaphathi said. S/Insp. Sephaphathi revealed that among many dockets of house breakings opened during festive season, at least five of them have identified their belongings. He stated that the community decided to escort the suspect to the headman’s place as the police had not yet arrived by that time, the suspect returned on the way claiming he forgot his phone and disappeared. Police arrived later and consfisgated other properties from the suspect’s house then the community was called to identify theirs. S/Insp. Sephaphathi regards this as a huge success in Thamae Police Station. Police are still after the suspects. The properties recovered included blankets, clothes, sound systems, Televisions, gas cylenders, gas stoves, wheel barrows, digging fork, spades, building equipment, pots, buckets, dishes and many more properties.Tue, 02 Feb 2016 04:09:00 GMThttp://www.lmps.org.ls:80/news/the-great-recoverySix years for sexually harassing grandchildhttp://www.lmps.org.ls:80/news/six-years-for-sexually-harassing-grandchild By‘Mareabetsoe Mofoka<o:p></o:p> QUTHING: A 48-years-old Mosotho male Neo (Lau) Kabi of Pokane Ha Kabi has been sentenced to six years imprisonment for sexual offence.<o:p></o:p> Reports reveal that the suspect committed this crime upon his 11-years-old grandchild.<o:p></o:p> He appeared before Quthing Magistrate Court on the 11th January, 2016 and was found guilty for contravening Section 52 (2) Of Penal Code Act of 2010.<o:p></o:p> This sentence was imposed on him by the Quthing magistrate court without an option of a fine.<a name="_GoBack"></a><o:p></o:p> Evidence presented before court revealed that on the 1st January, 2016 at about 05:30 hours, the victim was still asleep when she heard someone touching her. <o:p></o:p> The victim woke up and found the accused next to her bed; naked and putting on the condom. <o:p></o:p> The evidence further showed that Neo demanded sex from her; but the victim managed to escape and reported the incidence to her grandmother who reported the matter to the police.<o:p></o:p> In mitigating, the accused told the court to be merciful as his behaviour was purported by his drunkenness. <o:p></o:p> “Police are concerned about the incidents of sexual offences committed upon minor, but not excluding other groups of people”, Police Spokesperson Senior Inspector Clifford Molefe said.  <o:p></o:p> S/Insp Molefe urged the communities to work together with police to fight crime committed to children as they are vulnerable and innocent. <o:p></o:p> Tue, 19 Jan 2016 11:32:18 GMThttp://www.lmps.org.ls:80/news/six-years-for-sexually-harassing-grandchildBravo! LMPS Women’s Networkhttp://www.lmps.org.ls:80/news/bravo-lmps-women%E2%80%99s-networkBy: Mosoaboli Mohlomi.<o:p></o:p> MAFETENG: Traditionally, women in Lesotho are regarded as minors, but Lesotho Mounted Police Service (LMPS) Women’s Network has for several times portrayed ‘women in blues’ in a different way.<o:p></o:p> Since its inception, LMPS Women’s Network has courageously performed several social activities in the country donating pairs of shoes, school bags, and uniform to police orphans throughout the country.<o:p></o:p> The Network has also contributed to the improvement of good health of police by helping Police Constable (P/C) Raseotsana to buy his prosthetic legs.<o:p></o:p> Besides extending helping hand to police and police orphans, Women’s Network has also reached out the community where women police in Botha-Bothe paid a visit to one family of an old age woman in Manamela, Botha-Bothe and performed social activities.<o:p></o:p> They washed the clothes of the woman, smeared the walls of the house and bought her some groceries and other necessities .<o:p></o:p> Recently, LMPS Women’s Network marked the end of sixteen days activism in style by refurbishing the house of the late Lebamang Chabeli and donating Christmas gifts to his four orphans in Mafeteng district.<o:p></o:p> Giving a brief account of the occasion, the national chairperson of Women’s Network Sub-Inspector (Sub-Insp.) Lebohang Morema said they first visited the family of the late Chabeli to find out what could they do for these four police orphans.<o:p></o:p> She reiterated that on arrival they observed that the house was in shocking condition, hence the need to revamp it. <o:p></o:p> She added that windows were broken; walls and clothes were dirty. <o:p></o:p> ”We came up with a decision to buy cement, paint and other small building equipments so as to renovate the house,” Sub-Insp. Morema said.<o:p></o:p> She further stated that women police from all districts were the ones who painted the walls and did all the other necessary work like washing the dirty clothes of the orphans and cleaning the surroundings.<o:p></o:p> As if these were not enough, the Network also donated the Christmas gifts which included shoes and grocery to the children.<o:p></o:p> In this occasion, Senior Superintendent (S/Supt.) Mpolokeng Shale, the district commissioner for Mohale’s Hoek as the senior women police who was present encouraged women police to keep up the good work.<o:p></o:p> At the end, the donations were presented to the orphaned children by district commissioner of police for Mafeteng Senior Superintendent (S/Supt) T&scaron;eliso Baholo.<o:p></o:p> In his remarks S/Supt. Baholo thanked LMPS Women’s Network for helping the needy and further applauded Mafeteng Women’s Network for leading the way.<o:p></o:p> He emphasized that what the Network is doing would remain a history in LMPS and the entire country. <o:p></o:p>  Thu, 07 Jan 2016 03:23:55 GMThttp://www.lmps.org.ls:80/news/bravo-lmps-women%E2%80%99s-networkThetsane police ready to combat crime http://www.lmps.org.ls:80/news/thetsane-police-ready-to-combat-crimeBy: Thabang Mohloki<o:p></o:p> Maseru: As festive season approaches, police are faced with a mammoth task of tackling crime mostly in areas such as troublesome villages, business areas and industrial areas. <o:p></o:p> Thetsane police in the capital city of Maseru is no exemption to this phenomenon.  <o:p></o:p> Inspector (Insp.) Sepalo Kelepa of Thetsane Police Post said they are more than ready to provide safety and security around Thetsane area in this coming festive season.<o:p></o:p> He pointed out that Thetsane area is a housebreaking-stricken area which needs police to be vigilant 24/7 during holidays.<o:p></o:p> Insp. Kelepa showed that the source of this crime is the fact that residents of Thetsane are mostly workers, migrate from their work back to their home leaving their workplaces and rental premises in holidays.<o:p></o:p> “We are prepared to deploy police on beat patrol to ensure that rental and business premises around Thetsane area are safe and secure,” Insp. Kelepa said.<o:p></o:p> He explained that they have a hope that they will decrease criminal actions in Thetsane Industrial area.<o:p></o:p> He said there will also be road traffic checks focusing mainly on search for illegal weapons, vehicles which are not roadworthy, overloads and other road traffic offences.<o:p></o:p> Insp. Kelepa revealed that they have already held crime prevention awareness campaigns in the area making public gatherings and meetings with landlords.<o:p></o:p> He added that the community was sensitized about its safety together with its property. <o:p></o:p> He reiterated that neighborhood watch is the way to go during this time and further said landlords would be advised to warn their clients to leave one person on guards at their places in order to prevent house breakings.<o:p></o:p> He further said another challenge they are facing is caused by Basotho men coming from RSA Litotomeng who usually shoot and kill people without any reason. Those men are found at Ha Tsolo village when they are present in the country.” said Insp. Kelepa.<o:p></o:p> He finally said that tavern owners around Ha Thetsane are warned to cooperate with the police and close on time stipulated by their traders’ license.        Thu, 03 Dec 2015 13:59:00 GMThttp://www.lmps.org.ls:80/news/thetsane-police-ready-to-combat-crimeCommissioner warn Lejone Crime prevention committees http://www.lmps.org.ls:80/news/commissioner-warn-lejone-crime-preventions-committeesCommissioner warn Lejone Crime prevention committees Leribe- Commissioner of Police Mr Molahlehi Letsoepa warned crime prevention committees not to be politicized under any circumstances on Saturday 21st, November 2015 at Ha Lejone. <o:p></o:p> He emphasized that the crime prevention committees are the core of community policing. Police officers should not be alone when eradicating crime, more especially stock theft and unlawful possession of fire arms which are high in the Malibamat&scaron;o area. “You are special within Police organization, therefore you should not have to allow being intimidated to Politics just like in the past”, that was COMPOL Letsoepa when addressing the committees. He indicated that Police is on the process of buying 100 horses from the community around the country and warned them to feed their horses properly so as to rip out crime from the roots. The officer Commanding Lejone Police Station Inspector Sello Kemiso said stock theft is high around Ha Lejone. He further unveiled that, that could be because of many Cattle Posts around, and also “those from Tlokoeng do own cattle posts in this area”, that was his sentiments. He revealed that about 222 sheep and 37 cattle were recovered presently by Ha Lejone Police and they are mostly taken at gun point. He wrapped up by showing that, the other challenge they are faced with is the issue of unlawful possessions of fire arms which perpetrators use. Chairman of Leribe Crime Prevention Committees Mr. Ntsoha Ramokoena emphasized that as the committees they should work hand in hand with Police to fight stock theft which is high around Malibamat&scaron;o. <o:p> </o:p>Wed, 25 Nov 2015 05:57:00 GMThttp://www.lmps.org.ls:80/news/commissioner-warn-lejone-crime-preventions-committeesScott’s escape case committed into the high courthttp://www.lmps.org.ls:80/news/scott%E2%80%99s-escape-case-committed-into-the-high-courtBy Thabang Mohloki  Maseru: Wednesday 18th November 2015, a suspect in the double ritual murder case of Koalabata, Berea, Lehlohonolo Scott, appeared before Maseru Magistrate Court for remand on a new case of escaping from the lawful custody but his case was committed into the High Court of Lesotho.<o:p></o:p> Scott is a prime suspect in the ritual murders of two Koalabata victims namely Moholobela Seetsa, 13-years-old and Kamohelo Mohata 22-years-old.<o:p></o:p>  He was then arrested on the 14th July 2012. He later escaped from custody at Maseru Correctional services on the 13th October 2012 while awaiting his trial at the high court of Lesotho.<o:p></o:p> During the court proceedings before Magistrate ‘Matankiso Nthunya and, Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) Mr. Leaba Thetsane stood firmly in the Magistrate Court of Lesotho praying to the magistrate for the case of Scott to be committed in to the High Court of Lesotho. <o:p></o:p> His reasoning was that, people who helped Scott to escape from custody knew exactly what happened in his two other murder cases which were before there High Court of Lesotho of which he is to answer.<o:p></o:p> The DPP also raised his concern in court where Scott’s lawyer Adv. Hoaeane is busy spreading serious allegations about the Police saying they pressurized Scott to implicate Political opposition Leaders on his escaping plan from custody which is false.<o:p></o:p> “If the Investigators did pressurised Scott to implicate the opposition leaders, why did Adv. Hoaeane not come to court and lodge a complaint?” DPP Thetsane said, very worried on how Adv. Hloaeane is handling this case.<o:p></o:p> He even quoted an article titled ‘Scott pressured to implicate political leaders’ from a local newspaper where Adv. Hoaeane had been interviewed.<o:p></o:p> DPP proceeded by saying it was lawful for the Police to have visited Scott in the Correctional Service Premises because they had to interview him in the new case of escaping from the lawful custody.<o:p></o:p> This is where Scott’s lawyer took advantage of spreading those allegations which are false about the Police forcing Scott to implicate the opposition leaders only because the police were interviewing his client, Lehlohonolo Scott.<o:p></o:p> Scott gave the court a clear picture on that issue of implicating the leaders of the opposition on his escape from custody.<o:p></o:p>  “It is true that the Police visited me from when I was arrested in Durban RSA, they tried to interview me but I refused to answer them. <o:p></o:p> Now when I am in custody in the Correctional Service of Lesotho, they again visited me and tried to interview me on how I escaped from the lawful custody.<o:p></o:p> I chose to enjoy my right to remain silent through the advice of my lawyer,” testified Scott. <o:p></o:p> “The police just told me they have names they want me to confirm as the ones who helped me escape, but I did not allow them to give me those names, which means they never forced me to implicate the opposition leaders.” said Scott falsifying the allegations.<o:p></o:p>     <o:p></o:p>  <o:p></o:p>Mon, 23 Nov 2015 07:28:27 GMThttp://www.lmps.org.ls:80/news/scott%E2%80%99s-escape-case-committed-into-the-high-courtTaung community holds crime prevention campaignhttp://www.lmps.org.ls:80/news/taung-community-holds-crime-prevention-campaignBy: Thabang Mohloki Maseru: Taung community and Crime Prevention Committees of Mohale’s hoek together with police held a successful crime prevention campaign in Silioe, to curb the escalating murder in that area. The campaign which started with a rally lead by Mohale’s hoek police through the village of Selioe to the public gathering place where speeches were delivered warning criminals to stop the shootings and killings of people in Taung constituency.   Giving a keynote address Deputy Minister of Home Affairs Honourable Phallang Monare and a member of parliament for Taung constituency said the killings commenced in June 2012 when chief of Taung was gunned down by unknown culprits. He further explained that several people were shot and killed at the same area recently. He estimated that by December 2012 almost 11 people were murdered.   However, he thanked everybody who participated on the campaign because he said he had already lost hope that there will be something done to strengthen the crime prevention committees to battle this intrusive crime of murder.  The Assisstant Commissioner of Police (ACP) responsible for region south Mr. Matete Lenea admitted that the killings are associated with famo musicians. He also said the shootings and killings were known to occur in Mafeteng district but now they have shifted to Taung and Quthing respectively. He instructed that the killings must stop instantly because people are all brought up with love and respect as Basotho nation. District Commissioner for Mohale’s Hoek Senior Superintendent (S/Supt.)  Mpolokeng Shale told the gathering that to combat crime at Taung area; police have opened two satellite police posts at Ha Moletsane and Ha Mohalinyane where Famo music followers are found in great numbers. S/Supt. Shale stated that Bosotho are known to be a blanket-wearing nation but surprisingly people are killed only because they are not wearing the same blanket as others. She said most of crime suspected to have been committed by famo musicians and their followers occur at Ha Moletsane and Ha Mohalinyane. Mokhele Phakiso, a chairperson of Mohales hoek district Crime Prevention Committees made the magnitude of people gathered there aware that they have come together to say ‘no’ to the killings at Taung. He also said they have come to Taung to strengthen the committees to work even harder to make sure those criminals who shoot and kill other people are reported to Police and prosecuted before the courts of law.  “Every person who knows someone with an unlicensed firearm please report or advice and influence such a person to surrender such a weapon to police or to the area chief because if you do not report such a person, that firearm might end your own life,” Mokhele said.   He also begged those area chiefs to stop unlawfully owning those surrendered firearms and warned them to transfer those firearms to the Police stations immediately after receiving them. The campaign was opened by Siloe ACL Reverend `Mateboho Tlebete  who sermonize and  made a heartfelt prayer.    Tue, 17 Nov 2015 13:34:00 GMThttp://www.lmps.org.ls:80/news/taung-community-holds-crime-prevention-campaignPolice recover unlawful drugshttp://www.lmps.org.ls:80/news/police-recover-unlawful-drugs  By: Mathibeli Ntlhabo Police together with  Ministry of Health personnel have recovered unlawful drugs from various surgeries around Mafeteng district on the 11th and 12th November, 2015. Senior Inspector (S/Insp.) Teboho Modia from Diamond and Drugs Department, Police Head Quarters stressed that police are investigating a case of stolen drugs from different hospitals countrywide and those smuggled into the country. <o:p></o:p> He explained that no person is expected to sell or deal with drugs or medicines except NDSO and Tripharm in the country. <o:p></o:p> “Many medicines we have captured are from China and some were even written: only sold to Chinese market,” said S/Insp. Modia.<o:p></o:p> Mrs Jemina Mphoso from Health Head Quarters explained that there is a concern from World Health Organization (WHO) of the confirmed circulation of falsified versions of Diazepam tablets circulating in Africa and it is possible that they are available in other regions and countries such as Lesotho.<o:p></o:p> “They are Amoxverse with batch number 21645 which are red and orange capsules of 250mg and also Ampiverse with batch number 21645 which are red and black capsules of 250mg”, Ms Mphoso said.<o:p></o:p> She emphasized concern about certain medicines which has no manufactory date and expiry date, some have even expired as far back as 2012 yet they are kept in the shelves of some private doctors.<o:p></o:p> “You can imagine finding expired Anti Retro Viral (ARV’s) such as Nevaripine and Lamivodine and contraceptics at the doctor you trust, yet they are given to poor people almost daily,” that was her sentiments.<o:p></o:p> Mrs. Lerato Kholokholo also from Health Head Quarters explained that all the drugs they have captured are from private surgeries, not the public ones. <o:p></o:p> “Private Doctors should employ health professionals such as Pharmacists as some do not even have them.””Mon, 16 Nov 2015 12:12:52 GMThttp://www.lmps.org.ls:80/news/police-recover-unlawful-drugsSexual offence suspect arrestedhttp://www.lmps.org.ls:80/news/sexual-offence-suspect-arrested By: Senate Lebitsa Qacha’s Nek: A 30-year-old Mosotho male of Makoabating, Motsekuoa, who is staying at Ha Ranketsi,was arrested by Sekake police in connection with the case of sexual offence on 28th, October, 2015. According to police report the suspect Moeketsi Chabeli who had already appeared in court on 1st, November, 2015 sexually abused the victim who is 16-years-old school student at the residence of her friend who is also a student.<o:p></o:p> It is alleged that the victim visited her friend at Ha Ranketsi, Qacha’s Nek and while doing their school work, the suspect who was already at that place sexually abused her by touching her stomach and breasts.<o:p></o:p> The matter was reported before police Sekake and the suspect who is married was arrested. He appeared in Qacha’s Nek magistrate Court on 1 November, 2015. He had been remanded in custody.<o:p></o:p> "People should be aware that sexual offence is a punishable crime in Lesotho," Qacha’s Nek district commissioner Senior Superintendent (S/Supt.) Hlalele Rampai said. He continued by indicating that some Basotho men and boys just take an advantage of touching women’s breast and even praise themselves by saying, ‘ke ile ka mo tsoara matsoele feela’ translated into I have just touched her breasts ignoring the fact that what they are doing act is a crime.<o:p></o:p> District commissioner emphasised that sexual offence is now becoming a problem in Qacha’Nek more especially at Ha Sekake.<o:p></o:p> He made an example of a boy who abducted a girl and detained her at his place hoping to take her to his home the following day.<o:p></o:p> “All these are unlawful acts, we are also appealing to Basotho men to take into consideriation to avoid going to jail due to ingnorace of the law as it is not an excuse ,” concluded S/Supt. Rampai. Thu, 05 Nov 2015 13:58:03 GMThttp://www.lmps.org.ls:80/news/sexual-offence-suspect-arrestedPolice probe brutal murderhttp://www.lmps.org.ls:80/news/police-probe-brutal-murderBy:  Mosoaboli Mohlomi Maseru: Mabote are probing a case of murder whereby a 78-years-old woman of Koalabata, Berea was brutally murdered by unidentified men on the night of 18th October, 2015. According to one of the relatives the old aged woman was in her house with her five grand children when the culprits knocked and entered the house subsequently murdering her. “I was told by the children that there was a knock at night and the deceased woke up and opened the door, two men entered and that is when the deceased met her death,” one neighbour ‘Mat&scaron;epo Moleka said.  She further said she did not know what might be the source of the killing. She however added that there were gossips that the deceased was a witch. Headman ’Makhomo Makoanyane said as villagers they are shocked by the killing of the deceased. She said even if the deceases had done something wrong she did not deserve to die in that way. She said she has never received any complain associating the deceased with witchcraft, but she heard of rumors about that. “I am appealing to community to stop taking law into their own hands and let the law take its course,” she concluded. Sub-Inspector Thabo Moleko of Mabote police station said police are still investigating the murder. He said so far there is no suspect but they belief the community would come up with information that might lead to the arrest of the perpetrators.   Mon, 26 Oct 2015 10:25:23 GMThttp://www.lmps.org.ls:80/news/police-probe-brutal-murderFour killed and two escaped http://www.lmps.org.ls:80/news/four-assassinated-and-two-escaped-through-a-needle-eyeThabiso Thaanyane Senate Lebitsa<o:p></o:p> Police Pitso Ground is investigating a brutal murder of four Basotho men, who were gunned down by unknown people near Memorial Hall Maseru on the night of 5th,October, 2015. Detective Sub-Inspector Lebohang Motanya from Pitso Ground CID department indicated that police received a tip off that there is a gun battle at Sea Point near Memorial Hall. On arrival, the  Lesotho Mounted Police (LMPS) found four men already dead. “One man was lying near the main road while the other three were near the local car wash and real it was a terrible scene,” D/Sub-Insp. Motanyana said. He further mentioned that deceased were taken to the mortuary where police would perform postmortem will reveal cause of death. Deceased were identified at the mortuary by their relatives while the two casualties are admitted at Queen ’Mamohato Memorial Hospital. The attack is alleged to link with the ongoing fight between two rival Famo Musicians, Seakhi and Terene subsequently the four deceased are claimed to be members of Terene and as well as two victims.   One of the eye witnesses who opted to be anonymous due to the escalating fight alleged that sometimes this on-going fight between these two rival affects people, who are not even members of the groups. One bussinesswoman narrated that she heard a gunshot and took cover in the building where she was. She saw people running for their lives in the streets while others were bouncing to her shop for safety.  A day after the incident the street near Sea Point butcheries was still governed by terror as some people did not want to be seen talking with people suspected to be police or journalists as the suspicion was that other members of the rival groups were seen disguising to be customers as they were going from one shop to another. The two victims were identified one as a popular cameraman for Terene group while his friend is a local advocate who is a registerer in the High Court of Leostho.  Another person who also remained anonymous said the two victims are his friends and had just left him after they have done with their business and they were going to meet those four. The advocate was going to record his first album in South Africa that night. “I wonder what could have happened to me because I could have joined them if it was not for some things that I was to settle,” a friend of the two victims concluded.  Wed, 07 Oct 2015 07:57:00 GMThttp://www.lmps.org.ls:80/news/four-assassinated-and-two-escaped-through-a-needle-eyeThe Minister launches Road safety camping http://www.lmps.org.ls:80/news/the-minister-launches-road-safety-campingBy:Thabang Mohloki<o:p></o:p> The minister responsible for Public Works and Transport, Honourable T&scaron;oeu Mokeretla has urged drivers to desist from driving under the influence of alcohol. <o:p></o:p> The minister was speaking as a guest of honour during Road Safety Campaign which was held at Ha Souru, Berea on the 23rd September, 2015.<o:p></o:p> Hon. Mokeretla told the magnitude of people gathered there that public drivers as well as private drivers should robustly be invited in those campaigns because they are the ones who are directly involved as road users, so it is of no use to conduct those campaigns without them.<o:p></o:p> "If drivers quit driving under the influence of alcohol from today on, no family will be standing in sorrow before an open grave to burry their relatives after this the festive,"Hon. Mokeretla said. Director of Road Safety Mrs. Ntumeleng Ntsekhe indicated that launching this campaign is mainly for big events such as NUL graduations and Independence occasions like Morija Arts and Cultural Festival: "We try our level best to eradicate road accidents," Mrs. Nt&scaron;ekhe said. She implored drivers to avoid the usage of hooters as they scare and confuse pedestrians on roads and might cause accidents.<o:p></o:p> S/ACP Mpota Nthako of Lesotho Mounted Police Service also made the audience aware that in order to minimize the road accidents, there will be road blocks whereby stop and searches will be conducted. <o:p></o:p> "We are not going to compromise on drivers who will be found on roads driving under the influence of alcohol, together with those whose vehicles are not roadworthy." Nthako said.  <o:p></o:p> Lastly, he spoke about the horrible terrifying accident which occurred closer to where the campaign was held, where a member of LMPS was involved and burnt to death when his car collided with another vehicle. <o:p></o:p> He pleaded to drivers to concentrate on driving not on cell phone like they always do. He finally urged them to be patient on roads.<o:p></o:p> Local artist known as Sentso, LMPS Brass Band, Senyotong Primary School and Tsereoane Primary School entertained the audience with good music.<o:p></o:p>Thu, 24 Sep 2015 22:05:00 GMThttp://www.lmps.org.ls:80/news/the-minister-launches-road-safety-campingStudent commits suicide on a graduation dayhttp://www.lmps.org.ls:80/news/graduant-commits-suicide-on-a-graduation-dayBY: Thabiso Thaanyane and Thabang Mohloki<o:p></o:p> <o:p> MASERU: </o:p>A 27-year-old Limkwokwing University of Creative Technology student gunned himself the same day that he was supposed to have stood boldly on the podium. It is reported that the diseased was to receive his academic certificate for the associate degree in Information and Technology on the 17th, September, 2015.<o:p></o:p> According to Mrs. Thembiso Li&scaron;eho a biological sister of the deceased, her brother had a quarrel with his wife on the 16th, September, 2015 at Koalabata, Berea while the sister stays at Naleli Maseru. <o:p></o:p> She alleged that her brother failed to raise money for the graduation gown and an outstanding balance for school fees.<o:p></o:p> She further mentioned that her sister-in-law who is deceased’s wife arrived at Naleli where she is staying and reported to her that she had a quarrel with her husband and later they went to bed. <o:p></o:p> “I received a call from my brother asking about the whereabouts of his wife and I informed him that I am with her,” Thembiso Lit&scaron;eho said.  <o:p></o:p> Then the wife left with the intention to inform other family members . On the way her husband phoned and notified her that he was going to kill himself, and without delay she told her husband’s sister.<o:p></o:p> “Immediately she phoned and requested me to talk to my brother about his intention to commit suicide, but unfortunately when I phoned him it was too late,” Mrs. Lit&scaron;eho said, when revealing her brother’s ordeal. <o:p></o:p> Inspector Motlatsi Moletsi from Mabote police in the CIS department said police has attended a scene and a corpse was conveyed to the local mortuary pending postmortem.<o:p></o:p> He concluded by revealing that a case of enquiry  has been opened. However the graduation ceremony was held at Lehakoe Recreational Centre. <o:p></o:p>Thu, 24 Sep 2015 16:26:51 GMThttp://www.lmps.org.ls:80/news/graduant-commits-suicide-on-a-graduation-dayTwo suspects arrestedhttp://www.lmps.org.ls:80/news/police-file-intention-to-oppose-bail-2BY: Mosoaboli Mohlomi<o:p></o:p> MASERU: Police have arrested two suspects in connection with the shooting which occurred at the resident of one villager at Ha-Molumo, Morija.<o:p></o:p> Khafa Maqekoane and Monyane Resekoai both who are in their middle ages have appeared before magistrate court Maseru on August 11, 2015. They are remanded in custody facing the charge of attempted murder. <o:p></o:p> According to Morija police report, three suspects arrived at the resident of one villager around 1900 hours and found victims sitting in the shack between two houses and started shooting at them from  outside.<o:p></o:p> Officer Commanding Morija Police, Senior Inspector Bothata ’Nei told LMPS Website that they received a telephone call from the headman of the village reporting that there was a shooting at one of his villager’s resident.<o:p></o:p> “Police patrol was sent out to find what was actually taking place,”  S/Insp. ‘Nei said .   <o:p></o:p> He said police discovered that the victims were sitting in the shack with relatives when three suspects attacked them with guns without saying a word to them. Four people including a 12-years-old boy were shot in this incident.<o:p></o:p> S/Insp. ‘Nei said when police arrived at the scene, they managed to rescue other people who were in danger at that place and transported them to safe destinations, while victims were taken to local hospitals for treatment.<o:p></o:p> He explained that two shells of 9 mm pistol were discovered at the scene, though it was at night. However, when police reconstructed the scene the following day, it was alleged that some people, probably the suspects might have taken other shells.<o:p></o:p> “The suspects were arrest during one of routine police operations. Two 9mm were found in possession of the suspects and have been submitted to police ballistics for examination,” narrated the Officer Commanding. <o:p></o:p> He highlighted that the suspects claimed to have bought those firearms from South Africa and also claim that whenever there were visitors at the victim’s house they knew they were going to be attacked that is why they attacked first.        Wed, 26 Aug 2015 15:49:18 GMThttp://www.lmps.org.ls:80/news/police-file-intention-to-oppose-bail-2Police oppose bailhttp://www.lmps.org.ls:80/news/police-file-intention-to-oppose-bailBY:  Mosoaboli Mohlomi<o:p></o:p> MASERU: Morija Police have filed an intention to oppose bail of Rauoe Monakalali (26) and two others who are facing a charge of murder of a woman who was found dead in a donga at the village of Reise Makeneteng, Morija four months ago. Rauoe Monakalali (26), Mothetho Potieane (24) and ’Moleli Potieane (22) who live in the same village with the victim are suspected to have murdered the woman while on her way to her home from Mafeteng. According to Morija police they fear that the relatives of the victim might retaliate. Senior Inspector Bothata ‘Nei officer commanding Morija said this is one of the heinous murders which had occurred in his area of policing. “We suspect that the victim was strangled and raped by the perpetrators,”  S/Insp. ‘Nei said . He furthered said the grocery which was carried by the woman was found scattered all over at the scene. He added that they held several operations after the killing of the victim an invited community in particular crime prevention community members to assist them with information leading to the arrest of the perpetrators. “We got the information, followed it and finally apprehended the two suspects. Two 9 mm pistols suspected to have been used in this crime have been send to police ballistics for examination,”  S/Insp. ’Nei said.    He said the situation is calm, but police would hold a public gathering to prevent crime and make public aware that they should not take law into their hands.   Wed, 26 Aug 2015 15:37:06 GMThttp://www.lmps.org.ls:80/news/police-file-intention-to-oppose-bailGovernment build new police officeshttp://www.lmps.org.ls:80/news/government-will-build-new-police-officesBY:  Mosoaboli Mohlomi<o:p></o:p> MASERU: The minister of Police and Public Safety, Honourable Monyane Moleleki says for the past decades Lesotho Mounted Police Service (LMPS) has remained an ignored organization’.<o:p></o:p> Delivering a healing speech at a dilapidated Thabana-Morena Police Station in Mafeteng district, the minister said the government is aware of all the challenges facing LMPS in this 21st century that is  why there is a minister of police for the first time in Lesotho.<o:p></o:p> He showed that in the past, police were incorporated in other ministries such as Home Affairs and under prime minister’s office. “This made the work of police extremely difficult because other departments were prioritized over police,” said the Hon. Minister.  <o:p></o:p> He said modern policing requires police who are well equipped with all the necessary resources to battle the heinous crime and firmly uphold law and order in the country.<o:p></o:p> The minister who was deeply shocked by the state of police structures at Thabana-Morena and other stations in Mafeteng said the whole structure of Thabana-Morena needs to be reconstructed.<o:p></o:p> He said he believe that with necessary resources inter alia good offices, proper horses, vehicles, office furniture’s, quality uniform; members of LMPS would be in a better position to provide quality service to the nation.<o:p></o:p> “There is really no need for police to work on a poor environment. Police are civil servants like any other, they deserve to live in good houses and work in well furnished government office,” lamented Hon. Moleleki.<o:p></o:p> He added that there are many shaky police station buildings all over the country and the government through the ministry of police and public safety would keep an eye on the way to help police get out of this status quo. <o:p></o:p> He also said the government is aware of hardships that police had gone through in boarders between Lesotho and South Africa. He said during the construction of new police offices the ministry would take that into account. <o:p></o:p> Modern police stations have also been constructed at Phamong and Ketane in Mohale’s District, Mokhalinyane in Maseru Rural district, while construction is underway at Botha-Bothe district police station, Mafeteng district police station as well as Mohale’s Heok district police station.<o:p></o:p> New police posts are also expected to be constructed at Mant&scaron;onyane in Thaba-Tseka district and Simione in Maseru Rural district.     <o:p></o:p> Minister Moleleki is on his tour around the country on a mission to know police and inspect surroundings in which they work and live. This is the eighth district so far and is left with two districts which include Leribe and Quthing.  He is accompanied by the Acting Principal  Secretary of Ministry of Police and Public Safety Mr. T&scaron;okolo Koro, Senior Assistance Commissioner of Police Ms. Thato Matlanyane and police officials.   Wed, 26 Aug 2015 15:06:44 GMThttp://www.lmps.org.ls:80/news/government-will-build-new-police-officesPolice launch operation sweep cleanhttp://www.lmps.org.ls:80/news/police-launch-operation-sweep-cleanBy: Mathibeli Ntlhabo MASERU: 22 drivers were detained by Maseru traffic police and have appeared before magistrate court on charges of failing to display vehicle registration number plates last Thursday.  They were all fined M150.00 each while the other seven cases are pending before court. This came after Maseru traffic police launched Operation Sweep Clean on Tuesday, August 11, 2015 where 29 vehicles were impounded. The operation is aimed at installing understanding to those who ignore traffic laws such as displaying vehicle registration number plates, which in turn causes crime of robbery. Maseru traffic police commander, Superintendent (Supt.) Lenkoane emphasized their concern as traffic cops by vehicles travelling without displaying number plates. “They are mostly used by robbers as getaway cars because they can never be identified in front or even behind. “Secondly, they make hit and run accidents without being traced by anyone,” that was his sentiments. Supt. Lenkoane said after they appeared in court, they immediately need temporary number plates as every vehicle in Lesotho has to carry number plate: “In that way we make sure that they respect the laws of Lesotho, not just leave them after their sentences, they need to be monitored,” Supt. Lenkoane’ said. He said the main reason behind their success as they now have enough strength from newly promoted Police officers who are in every corner and also at the main circle where many accidents used to occur. They have all undergone basic traffic course empowering them with skills and knowledge of dealing with traffic offences and offenders.  He added that more operations will be held based on different kinds of road traffic offences that seem to be escalating. He finally appealed to Basotho to cooperate as these will assist in the reduction of loss of lives on our roads.Tue, 18 Aug 2015 13:32:48 GMThttp://www.lmps.org.ls:80/news/police-launch-operation-sweep-clean