LESOTHO: Gov’t forms joint force to tackle murders

Staff reporter

Maseru – The Prime Minister of Lesotho who is also the Defence Minister Sam Matekane says his government has formed a joint force.

He said the force is built with security institutions to address the rampant killings that plunge the Mountain Kingdom into darkness.
This joint force was announced this week. It came in the wake of recent killings in the country that heightened the fears of the people.
Many of the killings have been done with unlicensed firearms.

Matekane said his government has made a pledge to the Basotho nation and the international community that it will ensure that every citizen is safe.

He said his government is set to prevent crimes so that the Basotho nation lives in peace and tranquillity.

He said Lesotho should not be a state of anarchy.

“We want to restore the dignity of this state,” Matekane said on national television this week, adding that the nation should live with reassurance and safety.

He said they are also aiming to restore the trust of their partners in development and the working class so that the economy is enhanced.

Matekane says he is taking this initiative with the power conferred to him by the law.

He said he has already ordered the administration and authority of the security institutions to deal with the heinous crimes rocking the country.

The Prime Minister called on those who unlawfully possess the guns to hand them over to the police because they are in the wrong hands.

The leader of opposition in Lesotho‘s parliament Mathibeli Mokhothu has called on the government to protect the nation that is living in fear owing to the rampant killings.

Mokhothu said it is heart-wrenching because some of the killings happen at mid- day.

He further appealed to the government to declare a state of emergency regarding the killings.

The Matekane-led banned sale of legal firearms much to the disappointment of Machesetsa Mofomobe, leader of BNP who said crimes are committed by usage of illegal firearms and it would be easy to trace legal guns through ballistics.

If you have tips or news please email news@stepupsanews.co.za