Pascalinah Kabi

POLICE and Public Safety minister Lehlohonolo Moramotse has promoted Senior Superintendent Moqhibi Likhama and Senior Inspector Sera Makharilele to posts of Deputy Commissioners of Police (DCP) effective of 8 November 2019.

Until the promotion, DCP Likhama was the Mafeteng District Police Commander while DCP Makharilele commanded the Commercial Crimes Unit.

The two appointments were communicated in an internal memo signed by Superintendent LJ Shale, who works at the Commissioner of Police’s office.

The memo, titled Appointments to New Ranks, appointed DCP Likhama to be responsible for operations while DCP Makharilele was tasked with leading the strategic management section in the police.

“Announcement is herewith made to all LMPS (Lesotho Mounted Police Service) personnel for the appointment of the following senior police officers to the rank of Deputy Commissioner of Police: their appointment is effective from Friday 8 November 2019,” Superintendent Shale’s memo reads.

“Please note that they are put in order of seniority (sic). 1. SSP Likhama – DCP Operations (and) 2. S/Insp. Makharilele – DCP SMSS. Let us all congratulate them and wish them well in their responsibilities in the LMPS,” Sup Shale added.

The new appointees will now fill positions that were left vacant by retired Deputy Commissioners Keketso Monaheng and Masupha Masupha. The duo retired on 30 September 2019.

Police spokesperson Superintendent Mpiti Mopeli confirmed the authenticity of the memo and that the both DCP Likhama and Makharilele effectively took up new ranks on 8 November.

“Just like the position of the Commissioner of Police, these two positions are filled by appointment of the police authority and the minister would be best suited to tell you what qualities each one of them possess which attracted the appointments,” Sup Mopeli said.

Efforts to get a comment from Mr Moramotse were unsuccessful as his mobile phone failed to get through. He also did not respond to messages sent to him.