LAA, DCEO AND LMPS ink agreement

Staff Reporter

The Land Administration Authority (LAA) in collaboration with the Directorate on Corruption and Economic Offences (DCEO) and the Lesotho Mounted Police Services (LMPS) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in Maseru this week.

The agreement according to parties is meant to curb crimes against land ownership.

The LAA Director General, ‘Matšireletso Lepheana noted that the agreement was meant to help fight land crimes which include, but not limited to fraud, corruption and others related to land administration.

“This agreement is going to open collaborative efforts where the three institutions will share and exchange information to address crimes relating to land,” she said noting there is an influx of land administration crimes.

She added that the agreement will assist law enforcement agencies to enforce the law easily without red-tape.

“This is going to also ease our work. This agreement is going to drive towards a transparent channel of land administrative processes.”

She stressed that the three institutions are in collaboration to protect vulnerable Basotho who are defrauded off their monies and land.

“We urge and encourage Basotho to corporate with us and give us information regarding land crimes that are happening in their communities.”

Police Commissioner, Holomo Molibeli indicated that the pact is tied with their mission statement to protect and ensure the safety of Basotho and their property.

“I am proud that the LAA saw it befitting to engage other stakeholders in fighting crimes against land administration. Land is Lesotho’s treasure which unfortunately is being consumed by criminals, but with this pact, victory is inevitable.”

“The police alone cannot fight and win against this crime, but it is through working collaboratively with stakeholders that we can reach a crime free Lesotho,” he said.

He further appealed to employees of the three organisations to ensure that the collaboration is sustainable for the benefit of Basotho and Lesotho.

Director DCEO Advocate Sefako Seema, applauded the LAA in joining the fight against crimes relevant to their field, saying they would not uproot and win the battle alone.

Seema stressed that land is one thing that defines the Basotho nation and if nothing is done against the criminal activities surrounding land issues, then Lesotho is in trouble.