The Minister for Home Affairs, Mr. Motsoahae Thabane, says chiefs as peace and law enforcement officers, must be in a frontline in crime prevention.He was addressing the chiefs of Pitseng in the district of Leribe at their one-day workshop on Lesotho Community, Safety and Security held at Pitseng on Wednesday 10 July, 2002. He encourage chiefs to move with changes and take responsibility in the modern policing, which is community policing themselves in partnership with police.

 Minister Thabane said, crime especially stock-theft at Pitseng has become a disaster, which demand strong measures, and a partnership of police and community with chiefs taking a lead. He also encouraged commitment and dedication of chiefs to press down, what he called the devilish acts of criminals. Mr. Thabane, said the rampant stock-theft in the country has contributed a lot in poverty in the country with majority left destitute, noting that working together in crime prevention will enhance the quality service, and defeat the criminals. He added that Lesotho government is committed in empowering the community to prevent crimes by providing skills on community policing, promote peace and stability.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Jonas Malewa, said as police they are working hard to abolish a traditional policing, where they were seen as oppressors, adding that chiefs must play their role to assist in building the partnership required between the police the community in crime prevention. He said, Pitseng is one of the areas plagued by rampant stock-theft, where joined efforts on both parties are required to eradicate the problem.

He said, there are 2002 national police officers, 64 police stations, 176 vehicles in the country and over 300 horses, noting that this is just a drop in the ocean of both resources, taking into account that they serve two million people. He added that, partnership with community in crime prevention is vital. Meanwhile, Pitseng is among four areas marked for a  pilot project for the Lesotho Community, Safety and Security, which started  in March year last. Other pilot areas are Mokhotlong, Maseru,  Ha Mofoka,  and Matelile in Mafeteng.

10 July, 2002