Refiloe Molise
The Commissioner of Police Advocate Borotho Matsoso has issued a stern warning to criminals amid a surge in killings, abuse and sexual violence against women, girls and children, declaring that offenders will face the full force of the law.
Speaking during a media briefing held at the Lesotho Mounted Police Service (LMPS) headquarters in Maseru this week, Matsoso raised serious concern over the escalating cases, warning that the trend is fast becoming a national crisis.
“Recent reports show a disturbing rise in gender-based violence, and women account for the majority of the victims,” Matsoso said.
Matsoso said cases of sexual abuse and killings involving girls, elderly women and children are becoming more frequent, describing the situation as alarming and unacceptable.
“These cases are becoming more frequent, and the situation is both alarming and unacceptable,” he said.
Recent incidents have been reported in the Mafeteng district at Ha Motlere and in Ha Mohlakaso in Maseru, where women were allegedly murdered by their intimate partners.
In some cases, suspects are reported to have abused the victims, killed them and buried their bodies in an attempt to conceal the crimes.
According to Matsoso, investigations have led to the discovery of burial sites and the arrest of suspects linked to the killings. He said perpetrators often exploit trust, luring victims into relationships or promising employment before committing the crimes.
“Some perpetrators gain the victims’ trust by pretending to be in loving relationships or by promising them employment opportunities before abusing and killing them,” he said.
He also expressed concern over the sexual abuse of elderly women and children, noting that most reported cases involve male perpetrators, acts he described as shameful and contrary to Basotho values.
“These acts are shameful and contrary to the values of Basotho society,” Matsoso said.
In a strong warning, he stressed that those found guilty would face imprisonment, with strict bail conditions and heavy penalties imposed under the law.
“Individuals found guilty of such crimes will face imprisonment, as the law provides heavy penalties and strict bail conditions,” he said.
He further highlighted the need for improved policing resources, including additional vehicles and horses, to enhance the ability to track suspects and respond swiftly. He also underscored the importance of continuous training to strengthen the fight against violent crime.
“We need more resources, including vehicles and horses, and continuous training of officers to strengthen the fight against violent crime,” Matsoso said.
Despite the challenges, he noted improvements in law enforcement efforts in recent years and urged officers to maintain momentum. He also called on the public to support police efforts, stressing that community cooperation remains critical in tackling crime and protecting vulnerable groups.
“There has been noticeable improvement in law enforcement efforts, and I encourage officers to continue working hard. Community cooperation remains essential in addressing crime and protecting vulnerable groups,” he said.
He reiterated the police’s commitment to ensuring perpetrators are brought to justice.
“We remain committed to ensuring that perpetrators of violence against women and children are brought before the courts and held accountable,” Matsoso said.
LMPS spokesperson, Superintendent Thabo Mohai, outlined several recent criminal cases handled by police.
“I have a Maseru report where a 27-year-old man, Thabo Nkesi from Qobosheaneng, Ha Lehloba, Roma, appeared before the Maseru Magistrate’s Court on March 23, accused of stealing state funds by making himself a chief and performing a chief’s duties,” Mohai said.
He explained that the suspect was the right-hand man of Morena Lehloba and failed to report the chief’s death.
“After the chief’s death, he continued receiving the chief’s salary and continued using the chief’s stamp. The money that he received was M5,900. He was granted M500 bail, which he paid. He will appear before the court on April 7, 2026,” Mohai said.
Mohai further reported that a 50-year-old man from Roma, Ha Lehloba, was arrested on March 23, 2026, after being found in possession of an illegal 9mm firearm and eight bullets, as well as a suspected fake licence. He will appear in court once the investigations are complete.
“In another report from Maseru town, four members from the Ministry of Public Works and Transport were arrested by police on March 22, 2026, accused of crime and acceptance of a bribe,” he said.
The report states that the suspects allegedly impounded a vehicle, claiming it lacked a fire extinguisher, and demanded M5,000 in exchange for returning the driver’s documents.
Mohai said the driver reported the matter to the police, who set up a trap by providing the money. The suspects were arrested after receiving the cash.
Summary
- The Commissioner of Police Advocate Borotho Matsoso has issued a stern warning to criminals amid a surge in killings, abuse and sexual violence against women, girls and children, declaring that offenders will face the full force of the law.
- Speaking during a media briefing held at the Lesotho Mounted Police Service (LMPS) headquarters in Maseru this week, Matsoso raised serious concern over the escalating cases, warning that the trend is fast becoming a national crisis.
- “I have a Maseru report where a 27-year-old man, Thabo Nkesi from Qobosheaneng, Ha Lehloba, Roma, appeared before the Maseru Magistrate’s Court on March 23, accused of stealing state funds by making himself a chief and performing a chief’s duties,” Mohai said.
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