Maseru, May.20—- Senior Inspector Masoli Khoanyane, a member of the Lesotho Mounted Police Service (LMPS) stationed at Tlokoeng in Mokhotlong, also a resident of Sehlabeng Thuathe in Berea, says every member of the community who is above 18 years can effect private/citizen’s arrest.
This he said during his testimony as one of the state witnesses in a murder case against six residents of Sehlabeng Matebeleng who allegedly killed another resident on suspicion of being a thief.
It is alleged that Thabang Mohale, Moeketsi Mphafi, Thabang Ntsoele, Thabiso Kompi, Lebohang Thejane and Motaba Hlohlongoane assaulted Phakiso Likofi Lebina on October 27 2021 at Sehlabeng sa Thuathe Masimong in Berea after they found him at the home of Mohale at night.
According to the defence, the accused called the police following the incident and the police instructed them to wait for them to arrive at the scene.
Senior Inspector Khoanyane stated that it is not wrong for the community members to arrest a suspect adding that it is not only the duty of Crime Prevention Committees/ Community Policing Forums. He however indicated that there are procedures to be followed.
He said people are encouraged to arrest suspects without harming them, then call the police. He pointed out that there must be a valid reason to suspect someone of a crime adding that one cannot arrest another when they just see them.
