’Marafaele Mohloboli
THE government this week launched a special joint security unit to fight the rampant crime across the country through a crime prevention campaign dubbed Operation Restore Hope.
The unit comprises officers from the Lesotho Defence Force (LDF), Lesotho Mounted Police Service (LMPS) and the National Security Service. To demonstrate the government’s commitment in ensuring the efficiency of the unit, the government immediately handed over 31 off-road vehicles and four LDF helicopters to utilise during the operation.
In launching the unit, Prime Minister Moeketsi Majoro said he was concerned about the rising crime statistics where women and children are being killed mercilessly by cold blooded murderers.
“I have registered my concern over the rising criminal acts including the barbaric killings and harassment of the elderly, women and children without considering their rights,” Dr Majoro said.
“Of late, we are also witnessing a rise in murders, robberies, stock theft and other heinous crimes. These criminal acts shake the foundations of this country’s governance and destabilise its peace and stability. They also degrade us in the international community where we have always been known to be a peace-loving country.”
A high crime rate can have a negative impact on the country’s economy because “investors would become reluctant to invest in such countries”, he said.
While the Covid-19 pandemic has adversely the economy with many losing their jobs, citizens must unite to combat the situation and revive the economy.
To achieve this, the government decided to set up the special unit with a mandate to uproot criminal elements and protect citizens and their property through operation Restore Hope.
The premier also expressed concern over the ease with which suspects obtain bail and continue roaming the streets. He therefore hopes that the national reforms will address the problems in the justice system and restore hope in the citizens.
Dr Majoro also appealed to the public to cooperate with the unit to ensure its efficiency.
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