The Lesotho Mounted Police Services (LMPS) Commissioner, Advocate Borotho Matsoso has affirmed that he is more than ready to embark in a monumental mission of uprooting and curbing escalating crime and violence in the country.
Off late, Lesotho has been gripped by the spiralling crime that has since placed it top of the ranks of a well-known research platform called Wisevoter as the most dangerous country in Africa and third in the world behind Venezuela and El Salvador in last year’s survey. But it is more likely the country will cement its position as there are no signs of violent activities slowing down.
Most recently, its traditional music genre known as famo has been denounced and banned because it is believed to be a driving factor of most killings troubling what was often known as a peaceful state. Several groups known for such music were declared unlawful as blood shed attributed to such rivalling gangs was getting out of control. The direness of this situation exacerbated as loved ones, relatives, and ordinary citizens were often caught in the cross-fire of those bloody feuds leaving most of them dead.
Moreover, a recent incident which sent shockwaves nationwide was the gruesome murder of a renowned famo artiste known as Khopolo Kholuoe Lisuoa who was assassinated last week Saturday by unknown gunmen at Masowe 1, in Maseru at around 2200 hours. Several bullets were sprayed at his vehicle claiming his life and of one local radio broadcaster and journalist, Pulane Macheli who was reported dead the following morning at a local hospital. The two others, (man and woman) who were also part of the ordeal only managed to sustain serious wounds. This group was believed to be on a tough task of reuniting the notorious groups but the recent tragedy is an indication that peace will remain an elusive prospect at least for now.
But according to Adv Matsoso, not all is lost but more is required from all stakeholders to work in unison to break the scourge. He believes that, this is a multi-sectorial matter that should be dealt with comprehensively.
During the week, the police boss spoke to the weekly Observer’s senior journalist Khosi Pheko for the first time since he got into the helm of the police department two months ago. Speaking at the comfort of his office at the LMPS headquarters in Maseru , ADV Matsoso outlined some key issues he believes will solve the undesirable situation for once and for all.
Weekly Observer: The LMPS has been deemed the most corrupt institution in the country according to the 2023 Afrobarometer findings. As someone now at the helm, what can you say about this negative revelation?
Matsoso: The issue of corruption is often about perception. It’s possible to be perceived as corrupt even when you’re not. However, I’m not denying that corruption exists within the police. Incidents, especially involving officers taking bribes on the roads, are well-known. The biggest surprise is that the observers do not criticize the public equally, as it takes two to tango in corruption. We are addressing this by announcing that anyone offering or accepting a bribe will be dealt with strictly.
Weekly Observer: As the former Director General of the Directorate of Corruption and Economic Offences (DCEO), what measures are you implementing to root out corruption within the LMPS?
Matsoso: We’ve already started. We made it clear that anyone offering or accepting a bribe will be punished. We are even setting traps to catch those involved. Our goal is to uproot corruption completely.
Weekly Observer: Is corruption the main reason for the lack of efficiency and effectiveness within the LMPS?
Matsoso: Yes, it could be. When there’s laxity and people do as they please, we lose efficiency and effectiveness. This department is governed by laws, and if those laws aren’t enforced, we have serious problems. That’s why we are determined to fight corruption by strictly enforcing the laws.
Weekly Observer: Given the unprecedented level of crime in the country, do you believe things will go back to normal under your leadership?
Matsoso: This is a moral decay, and we all share the blame for the widespread crime. We cannot place a police officer at every corner. Basotho are not the people they used to be. We must introspect and return to our old ways. Everyone, including teachers, parents, police, pastors, and youth, must play a role in fighting crime. By doing so, we will ease the burden on the police.
Weekly Observer: Despite being declared unlawful, famo groups are not backing down from their their violent activities. It is also clear that they are declaring war against the government, police and citizens , what strategies is the department devising to combat this?
Matsoso: The gazette prohibited controversial songs and slogans fuelling violence, but some still persist in their inhumane actions. We are educating the public through radio stations and urging those involved to stop. We arrest those found with illegal firearms and conduct stop-and-search operations, which have yielded positive results. We may resort to more aggressive methods if necessary.
Weekly Observer: In 2003, you left the department as the Assistant Commissioner of Police to serve under the DCEO as the inaugural Director General. After two decades, you return to the LMPS to face these challenges. Are you up for this task, and do you believe you’re the right person for it?
Matsoso: Times have changed for the worse, but I have no regrets. I am ready for this challenge. Someone had to step up, and if I was considered the suitable candidate, it was my duty as a Mosotho man to honour the call.
Weekly Observer: When you began your duties as the new COMPOL, did it feel like a baptism of fire given the current demands?
Matsoso: If not me, then who? This title comes with great responsibilities. I would have preferred to walk into office at a less distressing time, but I’ve accepted the offer. It’s time to deliver and earn the nation’s trust again. This is a call for the whole department, and we cannot shun it. The public counts on us to be at the forefront and to protect it , no matter the circumstances.
