The Minister of Home Affairs and Public Safety, Mr. Lesao Lehohla, says police service is essential as it provides necessary services for peaceful living of the nation.

Addressing Senior Police Officers at the one-day meeting at the Police Training College (PTC) on Wednesday, Mr. Lehohla, who is also the Deputy Prime Minister, said "diligence, passion, vision and discipline are the key principles that should guide police officers in their execution of duties.

He urged police officers to value peace, stability and prosperity of Basotho through protection of lives and property of the nation, despite meager resources in the police service.

He said police are employed to rededicate themselves to providing quality, efficient and effective services within the limits of the available resources.

Mr. Lehohla observed that police service has lost integrity in the eyes of the public and does not command the respect and confidence of Basotho due to various reasons that include lack of resources.

He therefore, pledged continued support of his ministry and search for solutions to problems facing the police service and police welfare, adding that the ministry is currently engaged in formulating new strategies to address these problems.

He said government is considering financial budget for police uniform, operational equipment, transport requirements and outstation allowances in the 2008/2009 financial year.

Meanwhile, the Principal Secretary for the Ministry, Mr. Lefa Mokotjo urged officers to strengthen their efforts in crime prevention and change their mindset for the public to accept them.

Mr. Mokotjo noted that it is time for the police service to change and fight crime at all levels.

The meeting brought Senior Police Officers from around the country.

Source: LENA 24/10/2007