The Minister of Home Affairs, Mr. Thomas Thabane says they as government are committed to see that the nation's property is protected against thieves. The Minister, said this at the public gathering held at 'Malefiloane in Mokhotlong on Thursday 30 October,2002 whose purpose is to warn the community about the repercussions of stock theft and other crime related acts in the country.

Mr. Thabane, said by organising these gatherings throughout the country, he intends to bring the last message of peace to the thieves, showing that it will be followed by harsh actions towards the perpetrators. He also appealed to the police and chiefs to be committed at their work and have transparency, saying that it is only through transparency that community could have confidence on them.

 The Assistant Commissioner of Police and the Commander in the Northern Region, Mr. Haretsebe None, said if the community does not stand up in the fight against crime, especially of stock theft, which is becoming a threat in many lives, they will continue crying. Mr. None, said another problem, which promote crime in villages is people do not want to inform the police about crimes accruing at their places, adding
that crime can be eradicated if community keep on working together with the police.

He however, said they as armed forces are working together in the fight against crime by holding joint operations in Mokhotlong, showing that the recent operation was successful as they managed to recovered over 300 stolen livestock and their aim is to hold them regularly. A Member of Parliament for Mokhotlong No 79 constituency, Mr. Lehlohonolo T'sehlana, said there would be no peace and stability in the country if
there is crime, especially stock theft, which is increasing, in a high rate in the district. Mr Ts'ehlana, said they as leaders of the nation, are in the ride to see that this country is under control by taking actions against criminals. 

One of the farmers, Mr. Pulo Mathaha of Sekokong said because of the high rate of stock theft they are now having no animals to plough with, saying that what is now taking place is no longer called theft because thieves are taking them without any fear and during day hours. Mr Mathaha, appealed to the chiefs to see that all animals at the villages are registered, adding that it is only through that, that the rate of stock
theft can decrease. The purpose of the gathering was to warn the community about the danger of stock theft. 

31 October,2002