MASERU –Woman Police Constable (W/P/C) Nthatuoa Mohlomi has called on police officers across Lesotho to actively use the newly launched Police Disability Guideline Booklet, saying it is intended to improve service delivery and ensure persons with disabilities receive equal access to justice.
Speaking in an interview following the official launch of the Disability Guideline Booklet at the Police Training College on July 03 2026, W/P/C Mohlomi from Disability Unit stationed at Police Headquarters said the booklet was developed to address the lack of knowledge among police officers on how to interact with and assist persons with disabilities.
She said many people with disabilities continue to experience discrimination because both the public and some police officers have limited understanding of disability issues.
She noted that the booklet provides practical guidance on how officers should approach and communicate with people living with different types of disabilities.
W/P/C Mohlomi said the guidelines cover various disabilities, including deaf, blind and physical impairments, enabling police officers to better understand the specific needs of each individual and provide appropriate assistance.
She emphasised the importance of ensuring that deaf persons who communicate through sign language are able to access police services without barriers, including when reporting crimes or giving statements.
She added that she hopes Braille versions of police information will also become available to improve access for blind persons.
Athough she wrote the booklet independently, she consulted persons with disabilities through interviews to understand the challenges they face when accessing police services and to identify measures that would promote inclusion.
She said the Lesotho Mounted Police Service plans to roll out awareness and sensitisation programmes in all districts so that officers become familiar with the guidelines and apply them whenever they assist persons with disabilities at police stations.According to W/P/C Mohlomi, police officers should understand that persons with disabilities may require different approaches and should always be treated with dignity, respect and sensitivity.
She said the success of the booklet will be determined by the feedback from persons with disabilities and whether they experience improved access to police services.She urged police officers to read, research and make practical use of the booklet instead of leaving it on office shelves.
She further stressed that all Basotho deserve quality public services regardless of disability and encouraged persons with disabilities, including people with albinism, to report crimes without fear, expressing hope that the new guidelines will contribute to a more inclusive and accessible policing service.
Ends/MAMAJ
