Relebohile Makhetha
In a bold move to weed out wayward officers, the Lesotho Mounted Police Service (LMPS) has dismissed five police officers from service following internal disciplinary proceedings that found them guilty of various types of misconduct.
The fired officers are Sergeant ‘Mankata Mananabela aged 35; Police Constable Katiso Tsukulu (35); Sergeant Chemane Pheko (42); Police Constable Mokepi Rasemetse (39); and Police Constable Tšeliso Monkhe (36).
According to the police’s assistant spokesperson, Inspector ‘Mareabetsoe Mofoka, Sgt Pheko from Mazenod Ha Paki, who was stationed in Leribe, was dismissed on August 16 this year.
He was dismissed after being issued a police firearm for duty use but instead sold it to another man. The firearm was later recovered by members of the Lesotho Defense Force (LDF) during an operation. The man in possession of the firearm revealed that he had purchased it from someone who had originally bought it from Sgt Pheko.
Sgt Monanabela from Qoaling Ha Monyane, who was stationed at the Police Headquarters in Maseru, was dismissed on August 14 this year after being found in possession of stolen goods from a business in Ha Seoli on March 14.
Additionally, on April 14 of the same year, a man involved in a robbery incident was shot and killed. A companion of the deceased requested Sgt Monanabela’s assistance after the shooting. Sgt Monanabela moved the victim from the scene, washed his clothes, and hired a vehicle to take him to the hospital. However, the victim was declared dead on arrival. Sgt Monanabela failed to report the incident to the police.
P/C Tšukulu from Bolometsa, Maseru, who was stationed in Leribe, was dismissed on August 16 this year. It was reported that on March 27, 2020, men traveling in a Toyota Fortuna attacked and shot at police officers in Peka. One of the police officers recognised Tšukulu, but after the incident, he did not report it to his superiors.
P/C Rasemetse from Maputsoe Ha Nyenye, who was stationed in Berea, was dismissed after he got into an altercation with IEC officers, where during the confrontation he drew his firearm and fired several shots into the air, causing panic and fear among those present.
P/C Monkhe from Pitseng Ha Raphoka, who was stationed in Leribe, was dismissed for releasing a female detainee from custody, allegedly to allow her to rest. However, the detainee reported that P/C Monkhe attempted to undress her. When she refused, he returned her to the police holding cell. The following day, the detainee reported the incident to other officers.
Meanwhile, in other criminal incidents reported by the police this week, ‘Mantsane Moeketsi (54), from Mahobong, Leribe district appeared in court on August 23 charged with murdering her husband.
Reports from the police indicated that on July 26, a 54-year-old man experienced severe stomach pain and was rushed to Motebang Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. A doctor suspected poisoning, prompting an investigation that led to Moeketsi’s arrest. She allegedly poisoned her husband’s food over fears that he planned to marry a second wife.
In Thaba-Tseka district, Sehlooho Lehana (46)was sentenced to six years in prison or a fine of M6 000 after being found guilty of unlawful possession of a 9mm firearm and ammunition.
In Maseru Urban, a 36-year-old man from Sehlabeng sa Thuoathe is in custody for allegedly murdering a 26-year-old man suspected of having an affair with his wife. On August 26th, the suspect attacked the man with knives, accidentally stabbing his friend in the process. Both the suspect and his friend are awaiting court appearances.
Police are investigating a murder incident in Mohale’s Hoek, where a 65-year-old woman was found dead with signs of assault on her way to work. Her body was discovered by her son and his friends after she failed to arrive at her workplace.
