’Marafaele Mohloboli
A CORONAVIRUS (Covid 19) positive police officer faces disciplinary action and prosecution for allegedly breaching the public health regulations aimed at fighting the deadly virus.
This after he allegedly violated rules requiring him to self-isolate after testing positive for the virus. The officer, Police Constable (PC) Lefu Molongoana, is based at the Thetsane police station in Maseru. The station was shut down a fortnight ago after PC Molongoana tested positive for Covid-19.
After the station’s closure, Thetsane-based officers were all asked to self-quarantine and get tested while PC Molongoana was treated at Makoanyane Military Hospital in Maseru.
Instead of self-isolating after his discharge from the hospital, PC Molongoana acted irresponsibly by meeting up with his friends for a party at a public bar. He even shot a video with his friends who are seen boasting in the clip that they have embraced him despite his Covid-19 status.
In the video, PC Molongoana is seen dining with his friends who are believed to be fellow police officers. They do not even attempt to maintain any social distance from each other as per health protocols.
“Shoot that video and we are going to share it in some of the squad (police) WhatsApp groups,” PC Molongoana’s friends shout in the video.
“We need to show them that you live with us and we have accepted you even though they say you have Corona.”
Some sources have alleged that PC Molongoana had been quarantined at a facility in Teyateyaneng but escaped from the facility and returned to his home in Maseru.
Police Spokesperson Superintendent Mpiti Mopeli has denied the allegations.
He, however, said that they were investigating PC Molongoana for breaching the public health regulations and engaging in reckless behaviour likely to fuel the spread of Covid-19 which had infected 359 people and caused six deaths in Lesotho by yesterday.
Supt Mopeli said PC Molongoana could be charged for his conduct along with his friends.
“We are aware of the video in question and it is important to mention that the officer did not escape from a quarantine centre as it is being alleged.
“What actually happened is that after testing positive for Covid-19, he was admitted at Makoanyane Hospital. He was later released into self-isolation but we are aware that he did not do as expected as the video shows.
“He has acted irresponsibly and we cannot condone such behaviour because we are entrusted with protecting lives.
“While it is everyone’s responsibility to curb this pandemic, the police have an even bigger responsibility to enforce the laws. They should lead by example and not become part of the problem.
“We are conducting investigations into this irresponsible behavior and we will take the necessary measures against him and his friends,” said Supt Mopeli.