Responding to questions in an interview with the Lesotho News Agency (LENA), Mr. Matsoso cited another constraint as the shortage of resources to access some information, saying it was only if his office could get enough funds and manpower that it would be easy to crack some of the cases.

The Director said at present, there are only two investigating officers who have to deal with more the than 15 cases involving economic crime, white collar crime and corruption cases that have been reported. However there are indications of a breakthrough in one of the earlier cases with investigations at an advanced stage. They are able to deal with one case at a time, he said.

"We depend on public information to deal with these cases, and at times people are fearful to come forward."

On the question of public support, Mr. Matsoso said despite the fact that his office has not raised the public's  awareness about its operations, some individuals have come up and reported cases, including those in which the informants were referred to the police because the cases could best be handled by them. 

The office will be fully operational, with all positions filled in the beginning of the financial year, he said.

The Directorate of the Prevention of Corruption and Economic Offences was established following the enactment of the Prevention of Corruption and Economic Offenses Act No.5 of 1999.

14 January 2004