… As it emerges that he has an alleged undisclosed criminal record
Police Commissioner Advocate Borotho Matsoso has lashed out at his critics, urging them to “jump into the nearest dam” or “find a tree to hang themselves” after it emerged that he has a criminal record in South Africa, which detractors claim he failed to disclose before he was appointed Commissioner of Police in 2024
“This thing you are talking about has reached a point where it has annoyed me. I therefore have no intention to respond to a trivial matter like this one. Whoever is concerned, let him jump into the nearest dam or find the nearest tree to hang himself or herself,” Matsoso said when confronted with the information on Wednesday afternoon.
“I think that is the only answer that I have. Otherwise, let him go to court if he thinks he can do it anywhere on this planet. That is all. I am not going to engage in this kind of thing,” he added.
Documents seen by this publication show that Matsoso acquired the criminal record in South Africa about a decade ago. The record states: “The subject was an accused in the following case: Lady Brand 80/09/2016, operating a vehicle/trailer exceeding 22m. Result: Guilty. Sentence: Acknowledgement of guilt = R3,000. Subject has a criminal record in South Africa.”
The Police Service Act of 1998 requires the disclosure of any criminal record before a person can be appointed as a police officer. Under Section 10 (Attestation), the Act states that every member of the police service shall, on appointment, be attested as a police officer by making a declaration before the Commissioner.
Before making the declaration, every person must answer truthfully any questions regarding their previous service, career, employment, and whether they have ever been convicted of any offence punishable under the laws of Lesotho or any other country.
Section 31(1)(f) further provides that the Commissioner may, at any time, after giving the police officer concerned an opportunity to make representations, dismiss an officer who is convicted of an offence other than one against discipline.
Matsoso’s detractors, who spoke to this publication on condition of anonymity due to fear of reprisals, argued that the law is designed to prevent individuals with criminal records from joining the police service and allows for the dismissal of serving officers who commit crimes. They contend that this effectively prohibits people with criminal convictions from serving as police officers.
Citing Section 19 of the Constitution of Lesotho, which guarantees equality before the law and equal protection of the law, the critics called for Matsoso’s dismissal from his position as head of the Lesotho Mounted Police Service (LMPS).
The appointment and removal of the Commissioner are governed by law. The King, acting on the advice of the Prime Minister, appoints the Commissioner of Police on such terms and conditions as may be prescribed. The King, acting on the Prime Minister’s advice, may also require the Commissioner to retire in the interests of efficiency or effectiveness. Before doing so, the Prime Minister must give the Commissioner an opportunity to make representations and consider any such representations.
Matsoso is a veteran of Lesotho’s law enforcement sector. He previously served as a police officer before retiring. He was later appointed Director-General of the Directorate on Corruption and Economic Offences (DCEO) in 2014. He left the DCEO in June 2019 after being placed on forced leave in February 2019, four months before the expiry of his contract on June 30, 2019, following a decision by then-Prime Minister Thomas Thabane not to renew his contract.
He was appointed to head the LMPS for a three-year term by the King on the advice of Prime Minister Ntsokoane Samuel Matekane. Matsoso assumed office as Commissioner of Police on May 23, 2024.
Summary
- Police Commissioner Advocate Borotho Matsoso has lashed out at his critics, urging them to “jump into the nearest dam” or “find a tree to hang themselves” after it emerged that he has a criminal record in South Africa, which detractors claim he failed to disclose before he was appointed Commissioner of Police in 2024.
- Matsoso’s detractors, who spoke to this publication on condition of anonymity due to fear of reprisals, argued that the law is designed to prevent individuals with criminal records from joining the police service and allows for the dismissal of serving officers who commit crimes.
- He left the DCEO in June 2019 after being placed on forced leave in February 2019, four months before the expiry of his contract on June 30, 2019, following a decision by then-Prime Minister Thomas Thabane not to renew his contract.
Thoboloko Ntšonyane is a dedicated journalist who has contributed to various publications. He focuses on parliament, climate change, human rights, sexual and reproductive health rights (SRHR), health, business and court reports. His work inspires change, triggers dialogue and also promote transparency in a society.
