Berea, June 02 — The Lesotho Mounted Police Service (LMPS) held a men’s gathering in Teyateyaneng on Tuesday, bringing together community members to discuss strategies to end violence against women and children.
District Commissioner of Police, Senior Superintendent Kabelo Halahala said violence against women and children is unacceptable. He noted that the gathering was intended to help men understand how to cope with modern-day challenges in relationships and society, as social dynamics continue to evolve.
Superintendent Thoma Sephaphathi said the purpose of the gathering was to agree on ways forward in addressing crime and to share advice with one another. He stressed that abuse of children, women, and the elderly remains a serious concern, with men often identified as the main perpetrators.
Adding to the discussion, Senior Inspector Petje Teke from the Child and Gender Protection Unit (CGPU) said men must change the way they think when dealing with sexual matters.
He revealed that in 2025, there were 897 rape cases recorded nationwide, of which 380 involved children and 517 involved adults.
He urged men to be protectors of women, children, and fellow men, emphasizing that sexual activity must always be based on consent. He further warned against engaging in sexual acts with a person who is sick, asleep, or under the influence of alcohol.
Mr. Teke encouraged men to report cases of abuse to help prevent unwanted pregnancies, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), and HIV while ensuring that victims receive the necessary support.
He also called on fathers to discipline and guide their sons and educate them about sexual matters.
Speaking on Gender-Based Violence (GBV), Mrs. ‘Mannabi Lephoto from Gender Links said men are also among those who experience abuse, particularly verbal abuse. She therefore encouraged them to exercise restraint and avoid actions that could lead to conflict with the law.
Among the suggestions made by participants on addressing violence were engaging in manual work activities to keep men occupied and reduce involvement in crime, tackling substance abuse, establishing village committees that focus on men’s and boys’ issues, involving church ministers in men’s forums to provide spiritual guidance, and teaching men how to express themselves and seek help appropriately.
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