In a concerning development, the Minister of Local Government, Chieftainship, and Police, Lebona Lephema, has expressed alarm over the increasing involvement of women in various criminal activities, including gender-based violence (GBV).
His remarks shed light on a troubling trend that is complicating law enforcement efforts in Lesotho.
Lephema made these statements during a press conference hosted by the Parliament Women’s Caucus, where he addressed the need for heightened vigilance and responsibility in combating crime.
While acknowledging positive strides in legislative frameworks, such as the Counter Domestic Violence Bill and the Children’s Protection and Welfare Act, Lephema stressed the importance of women not only respecting themselves but also respecting others.
He pointedly condemned women who partake in perpetuating GBV, especially in cases involving young girls and the facilitation of child marriages.
“Child marriage is condoned by women. They should refrain from such behaviors,” Lephema stated, recounting a disturbing incident at a clinic in Bobete, where he witnessed young girls giving birth.
He further criticised the role of women in enabling such practices, which have a profound negative impact on the country’s young population.
The Minister also raised alarming concerns about women being involved in human trafficking, alleging that some women are deceiving others with false promises of employment opportunities in South Africa.
Furthermore, Lephema highlighted women’s involvement in violent crimes, including homicides, which he linked to complicated relationships involving multiple partners.
“In most of our cases, women are involved in a way that they had multiple partners, and these partners find out and end up killing each other. I take it in that case women no longer have respect for themselves,” he asserted.
Lephema also expressed concern about women providing shelter to undocumented foreign nationals, who he claimed are contributing to the drug trade and other illicit activities in the country.
“In their rented places, women keep foreigners who are in the country illegally. The Ministry of Home Affairs is troubled by finding these people because they are hiding in your places,” he said, urging women to cooperate with law enforcement by reporting any suspicious individuals.
The Minister underscored the negative effects of drug abuse, facilitated by foreign nationals, on the youth. He noted how this has led to violent confrontations between parents and children. He called upon women to take proactive steps in addressing drug abuse within their families and helping to apprehend those responsible for trafficking drugs.
To tackle the growing drug problem, the police announced plans to establish a dog squad department to assist in drug detection. Lephema also mentioned the disturbing presence of drug distribution within school environments, which adds a new layer of concern regarding the impact of drugs on youth.
In his closing remarks, Lephema emphasised the critical need for a collaborative effort from all stakeholders to address the rising crime rates. He stressed that fostering a safer environment would not only enhance public safety but also promote investment and contribute to the national development of Lesotho.
Ntsoaki Motaung is an award-winning health journalist from Lesotho, specializing in community health stories with a focus on sexual and reproductive health and rights, as well as HIV. She has contributed to platforms like “Be in the KNOW,” highlighting issues such as the exclusion of people with disabilities from HIV prevention efforts in Lesotho.
In addition to her journalism, Ntsoaki serves as the Country Coordinator for the Regional Media Action Plan Support Network (REMAPSEN). She is also a 2023 CPHIA Journalism Fellow.
