—Calls for respect, unity in Lesotho
Hopolang Mokhopi
THE Lesotho Mounted Police Services (LMPS) has observed a troubling trend: the emergence of derogatory language within various segments of Basotho society, particularly in political circles.
This seemingly growing culture of vulgarity, which is especially prevalent across social media platforms, has raised fears about the potential for discord and division among Basotho.
This is according to Commissioner of Police, Advocate Borotho Matsoso, who addressed a media briefing at the Police Headquarters in Maseru on Thursday.
Advocate Matsoso said there had been a noted increase in hostile exchanges and the use of belittling language that undermined the dignity of others.
“Such behavior not only fosters animosity but also threatens the peace and stability of our nation,” Adv Matsoso stated.
Adv Matsoso said the use of derogatory terms appeared to be a growing trend, and it was alarming to see how this could escalate into broader conflicts.
“As the police, we understand that every individual has the right to freedom of speech as enshrined in the Constitution,” Adv Matsoso said.
“However, this right comes with the responsibility to ensure that one person’s freedom does not infringe upon the rights and dignity of others.”
The Police Commissioner strongly condemned the use of derogatory and demeaning language, warning that it often led to misunderstandings and serious repercussions.
“We have a duty to maintain peace and uphold the rights of all citizens,” he said, urging everyone to refrain from divisive speech and instead engage in constructive dialogue.
The Commissioner emphasized that such language, particularly prevalent on social media, had caused distress within the nation.
“As Basotho, we have the right to express our opinions, but this should not be used to demean or belittle others,” he said.
Invoking the wisdom of the nation’s founder, King Moshoeshoe II, who advocated building a home with “respect and unity,” the Commissioner called on the public to seek amicable resolutions to their differences.
“We will not tolerate any attempts to undermine our unity, regardless of one’s status,” he asserted. He further stressed that those who persisted in insulting, harassing or bullying others could face consequences.
The Commissioner also urged all Basotho to work together to foster an environment of mutual respect and understanding, ensuring that Lesotho remains a place of peace and harmony for all.
The LMPS message resonates with that of the ruling Revolution for Prosperity (RFP) Women’s League’s, which at its own media event last week, raised similar concerns.
The RFPWL had complained over the barrage of insults directed at the party’s leader, Prime Minister Sam Matekane and his government.
During the press briefing, the RFPWL chairperson ‘Mampho Motsusi pleaded with opposition politicians to stop disrespecting the RFP leadership and its administration.
She had said the party’s elected leaders, particularly founding leader Mr Matekane, were not being accorded the respect they deserve by their opponents.
Ms Motsusi stressed that the RFP’s leadership was facing disrespect and insults on social media and other platforms, despite their social standing.
She urged especially opposition political counterparts to cease their “shenanigans,” noting that Mr Matekane had refrained from retaliation, instead choosing to focus on serving the people who elected him.
Ms Motsusi also condemned the social media attacks directed at RFP secretary-general Nthati Moorosi, expressing outrage that ‘some’ individuals had made it their mission to insult the prominent Minister of Information, Communications, Science, Technology, and Innovation.
She stressed that while political differences might exist, there was no excuse for personal attacks.
This was because over the 2024 Christmas holidays, Ms Moorosi was insulted by Socialist Revolutionaries (SR) youth cadres, who labelled her as “immoral and an infidel”.
Ms Motsusi stated: “Recently, there have been attacks and insults on social media targeting our secretary-general, who is a woman of dignity and stature. They must respect her because she is a prominent person serving the country as a minister. We may not see eye to eye politically, but that does not mean we should hurl insults at others.”