MASERU – Sexual offences remain among the most prevalent crimes in Lesotho, with substance abuse, domestic violence and murder also contributing significantly to the country’s high crime rate, Senior Rehabilitation Officer at the Lesotho Correctional Service (LCS), Mr. Lehlohonolo Kotelo, has said.
Mr. Kotelo made the remarks during a community crime prevention meeting at Motimposo, where community leaders, police officers and rehabilitation officials discussed challenges affecting the area and measures to reduce crime.
He explained that the correctional rehabilitation centre is the final stage in the offender rehabilitation process, where officers counsel inmates, assess their behaviour upon admission and prepare them for successful reintegration into society.
Mr. Kotelo said many offenders admitted to correctional facilities reveal that drug and alcohol abuse are major factors behind the crimes they committed.
He described substance abuse as one of the leading causes of criminal activities in the country.He further noted that sexual offences remain the most common crimes, saying stakeholders continue to question the underlying causes of the increasing cases.
He urged parents and guardians to protect children, describing them as future leaders whose lives are often destroyed by sexual abuse.
He also appealed to families to raise children in safe and supportive home environments, warning against exposing them to violence and conflict.
He added that murder cases are also increasing, urging people to resolve disputes peacefully instead of resorting to violence.
Meanwhile, Inspector Mateele Mote of the Child and Gender Protection Unit (CGPU)stationed at Ha-Mabote expressed concern over parents who leave children unattended, exposing them to accidents, drowning and sexual abuse.
She reminded parents that leaving young children alone at home is a criminal offence, stressing that both mothers and fathers share equal responsibility for their children’s welfare.
Mrs. Mote urged parents to ensure children attend school, noting that government has already introduced free education, and encouraged communities to report criminal activities to the police.
She further said domestic violence continues to affect children, while sexual abuse remains widespread, calling on children to remain vigilant and report abuse.
Chairperson of Community Policing at Motimposo Mr. Habofanoe Letsie, said all community policing committees operate under the same legal framework and are expected to work closely with police and local communities in preventing crime.
Mr. Letsie explained that every citizen aged 18 years and above is regarded as a community policing.
He said these committees are responsible for strengthening cooperation between communities and the police, mobilising young people to participate in crime prevention and holding regular public meetings to address emerging challenges and dispel rumours.
He also reminded alcohol outlet owners to comply with legally prescribed operating hours, urging businesses to observe the law to help reduce crime within communities.
Ends/MAMAJ
