Politicians should leave cops alone’

’Mantoetse Maama

DEPUTY Commissioner of Police (DCP) Keketso Monaheng has warned politicians to steer clear of roping in the Lesotho Mounted Police Service (LMPS) members for their own ends.

DCP Monaheng, who is acting police commissioner, made the remarks on Friday during a colourful pass-out parade of 245 recruits held at the Police Training College in Maseru.

He told the new officers to avoid tarnishing the image of the LMPS with their conduct, and to strive for excellence.

“Above everything else, you should always remember your oath. Shield the image of the LMPS. Among the temptations you should be aware of and that you need to avoid is corruption and being offered goodies by politicians,” said DCP Monaheng.

“To the officers, ensure sound mentorship for the recruits during their probation period. We are going to reform the LMPS and ensure there is professionalism in the agency.”

He urged the recruits to make use of the skills acquired during training to discharge their duties competently.

DCP Monaheng also implored Labour and Employment Minister, Thulo Mahlakeng, who was standing in for Police and Public Safety Minister Monyane Moleleki, to advise politicians to “leave the police alone”.

“We plead with you honourable minister to talk to politicians so they stay away from the police,” said DCP Monaheng.

“Some politicians believe they can decorate their political parties with the police and that is a big mistake.”

In his address, Advocate Mahlakeng, said government was intent on curbing crime which was retarding the country’s development.

“Government ministries, non-governmental organisations and the general public need to join hands with the police to fight this enemy of development called crime,” Advocate Mahlakeng said.

“It is only through that approach that our country can develop and investors can come and generate employment.

“The government will do whatever it takes to make sure that incidents of crime decrease by supporting the Ministry of Police and Public Safety to ensure that Basotho and their property are protected.”

He continued: “On Thursday last week, a Lesotho Defence Force officer, Brigadier Maaparankoe Mahao, lost his life. This occurred during an operation by members of the LDF. The commander of the LDF has since told government that the loss of life was not intentional and police are investigating the matter.”

Also speaking at the event, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Bohang Lintle Phasomane said of the 251 recruits, five could not make it due to various reasons.

“One left, while four fell ill with one of the recruits unable to continue after doctors warned us the training would put his life at risk,” she said.

ACP Phasomane added that the LMPS needed a resident doctor to check the fitness of the recruits before they can start training.