Moorosi Tsiane
THE Lesotho Mounted Police Service (LMPS) command has issued a stern warning to police officers against associating with known criminals, declaring such conduct a betrayal of the badge and a serious breach of discipline.
In a strongly worded memo addressed to district commanders earlier this week, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Sera Makharilele, whose portfolio includes Strategic Management and Support Services (SMSS), expressed alarm at what he described as a growing trend of officers, particularly female members, fraternising with criminal elements, including members of banned famo groups.
“It has come to the attention of Police Management with grave concern that there is a growing trend of certain members of the Lesotho Mounted Police Service (LMPS), particularly female officers, associating themselves with known criminal elements, including members of banned famo gang groupings. Such conduct is wholly incompatible with the values, oath and professional standards of the LMPS,” said DCP Makharilele.
He stressed that the police badge symbolised hope and trust, warning that any officer found consorting with criminals would face serious consequences.
“The police badge is a symbol of hope to the nation and a shield of trust to the vulnerable. Every officer who wears it carries the solemn responsibility to uphold the law, protect the innocent and stand firmly against crime in all its forms. Any association, direct or indirect, with criminal gangs or individuals engaged in unlawful activity constitutes a serious breach of discipline, ethics and the Police Service Act.
“Police officers are trained, mandated and entrusted to identify, infiltrate and dismantle criminal networks, not to fraternise with them or facilitate their activities. The recent rise in cases involving female officers implicated in criminal conduct or unlawful associations is deeply troubling and undermines public confidence in the Service.”
DCP Makharilele reminded all members that any engagement in, facilitation of or concealment of criminal activity would attract severe disciplinary and criminal sanctions.
“Accordingly, all members are hereby reminded that any form of association with criminal gangs, including banned famo groups, is strictly prohibited. Officers must maintain professional distance from known or suspected offenders at all times, except in the lawful execution of duty. Engagement in, facilitation of or concealment of criminal activity by any officer will attract severe disciplinary and criminal consequences, and supervisors and commanders are to remain vigilant and take immediate action upon any indication of misconduct or unlawful association by subordinates.
“The LMPS remains committed to integrity, discipline and service to the nation. Members are urged to reflect on the oath they took and the honour entrusted to them. Any officer found to be compromising the dignity and mission of the Service will be dealt with decisively in accordance with the law and internal disciplinary frameworks. Let it be clearly understood that the role of a police officer is to combat criminality, not to become part of it,” he said.
A source within the police service said the memo was prompted by a string of incidents involving female officers allegedly entangled in criminal activities through romantic relationships with suspects.
“Sometime around 2024 or 2025, there was a policewoman who was arrested together with six men for allegedly attempting to rob Mapoteng Hospital using her service pistol.
“There have been a series of criminal activities involving policewomen. Another incident occurred in Mafeteng, where a female police constable was found to be in cahoots with others illegally selling police stamps to communities. As things stand, there are also ongoing investigations in which some police officers are suspected of involvement in criminal activities,” said the source.
