Mathatisi Sebusi
THE government has instructed the Lesotho Defence Force (LDF) commander, Lieutenant General Mojalefa Letsoela, to investigate the deaths of two civilians from Khokhoba, Ha Lebese, in Berea, who were killed?in?the?army’s?crime eradication initiative, “Operation Hard Fist”.
This according to a statement issued by government spokesperson, Thabo Sekonyala, on Friday.
Mr Sekonyela expressed the government’s disappointment over the incident and its intention to uncover the full details.
He said while the government had mandated the security forces to eradicate crime and recover illegal firearms from communities, it did not authorise the killing of civilians.
Upon learning of the deaths of the two community members, the government approached the LDF for clarification.
According to the military, their intelligence investigations had revealed that the two individuals were in possession of illegal firearms. The LDF explained that during “Operation Hard Fist”, the suspects were taken to the LDF barracks for further questioning, where they unfortunately died during interrogation.
“The LDF commander informed us that military intelligence had confirmed the two men possessed illegal firearms. During the operation, the LDF officers decided to take the suspects to the barracks for further questioning, but tragically, they died during the process,” Mr Sekonyala said.
“This is a very unfortunate situation. The government has tasked the security forces with protecting the public, not harassing or killing them. It is crucial that they avoid actions that could jeopardise their mission or tarnish their reputation.
“The government has, therefore, ordered the LDF commander to conduct a thorough investigation into these deaths, to ensure that appropriate actions are taken and to address any challenges identified during the inquiry.”
Mr Sekonyala?said?the government was exploring strategies to help security forces carry out their duties effectively without causing harm to the public.
Additionally, he acknowledged the recent killing of four individuals in Ha Pitso, allegedly by?famo?gangs, and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting the public and putting an end to such violence.
However, Mr Sekonyala expressed frustration with the public’s response, noting that while many speak out against killings by security forces, there is less outcry about the violence committed by?famo?gangs.
“While the public has every right to voice concerns about crime, the question remains: why do those who hold press conferences and make public statements about killings by security forces remain silent on the killings perpetrated by?famo?gangs? Is it because they are unaware of these murders, or do they view crimes committed by?famo?gangs as somehow more acceptable? Wouldn’t this confirm the allegations that prominent people in the country are on the payroll of these gangs?” Mr Sekonyala questioned.
He also said no one, whether a member of a gang or the security forces, has the right to take another person’s life.
The government issued its statement following the deaths of the two individuals from Khokhoba Ha Lebese and the hospitalisation of their area chief, who was reportedly tortured by LDF members last Thursday during “Operation Hard Fist”, which aims to recover illegal firearms across the country.
LDF spokesperson, Major Kelebone Mothibi, told the?Sunday Express?that investigations into the incident were ongoing.