The Prime Minister, Mr. Samuel Ntsokoane Matekane says the handing over of Command by the outgoing Commissioner of Police (COMPOL) Holomo Molibeli to the incoming Acting Commissioner, Dr Mahlape Morai marked a milestone as many people saw it for the first time in the history of Lesotho Mounted Police Service (LMPS).
This, he said at the handing over ceremony held at Police Training College (PTC) in Maseru on Thursday.
Mr. Matekane commended COMPOL Molibeli for serving Basotho wholeheartedly during his tenure as Commissioner and urged him to be ready to give advice when there is a need, “once a Cop, always a Cop” he said.
He applauded the incoming Acting COMPOL Morai for her new appointment, warning her of taking power from ex-Commissioners who left a mark in LMPS and thus must ensure that the latter attains its objectives and addresses the challenges faced.
“The nation looks up to you thus you must ensure that stock theft, abuse of women and children, murders and crime are rooted out while at the same time retaining the image of LMPS” he stressed.
He therefore assured him of the government, Police and Basotho’s support during her tenure of office, urging her to perform her duties with truth and justice.
The Minister of Local Government, Chieftainship, Home Affairs and Police, Mr. Lebona Lephema also commended COMPOL Molibeli for achieving many things during his tenure of office, mentioning the production of Police uniform, construction of two Police stations, purchase of 75 vehicles as well as the training provided to some LMPS members in Russia and Rwanda.
He urged the Police to continue keeping up the good work and unite for peace in the country,
“It’s about time Basotho feel free in their country” he added.
He said it is not a mistake that the incoming Commissioner is a woman as he believes she will lead the way and address Police grievances, urging her to pray and seek God’s wisdom.
The outgoing COMPOL Molibeli said he became the Commissioner when the country was in turmoil and at the top of the Southern African Development Community Agenda, saying he was entrusted with ensuring that the rule of law is implemented in the country.
“Indeed, it is done” he said, expressing gratitude to the Lesotho Defence Force (LDF) command for its support in the implementation of the rule of law. He further expressed gratitude to former Prime Ministers, Ministers of Police and the government for supporting the Police through the provision of resources.
He also congratulated Commissioner Morai on her new position and pledged to support her all the time.
COMPOL Morai said the past 22 years in which she served in LMPS was a journey filled with achievements, challenges and growth, pledging to serve the Police and nation wholeheartedly in the fight against crime.
She said it is the responsibility of all people to root out crime in the country, urging parents to control the movements of their children to make it easy for Police to combat crime
She urged the Police to rebuild the image of LMPS, give Basotho hope for their safety, pleading to review policies, and standing orders within LMPS.
COMPOL Molibeli served LMPS for 36 years and was a Commissioner for seven years until February 23, 2024, when he retired.
Dr Morai is the second female who leads the LMPS after ex-Commissioner ‘Malejaka Letooane who served from 2005 to 2012.
Source: LENA 29/02/2024
