…PM demands tougher war on drugs as M5bn Khubetsoana case grips nation
Rethabile Pitso
PRIME Minister Sam Matekane has called for a tougher crackdown on drug dealers, warning that narcotics are increasingly infiltrating communities and destroying the future of Basotho youth.
Mr Matekane said those responsible for peddling drugs deserved no leniency from the justice system, as he challenged police to intensify their fight against the scourge.
His remarks come against the backdrop of the sensational M5 billion Khubetsoana drug case, in which three Chinese nationals, their company, a senior government official and Basotho National Party (BNP) leader Machesetsa Mofomobe have been charged in connection with an alleged clandestine drug-manufacturing operation.
Speaking during a visit to Mabote Police Station over the weekend, Mr Matekane said the proliferation of drugs had become a serious threat not only to young people but entire communities.
“The other problem I have learnt harbours around here is drug usage, which unfortunately has been introduced not only to our children but also to parents,” Mr Matekane said.
“It took our police to work hard to dismantle one drug warehouse found here in Berea, which we hope the courts will offer a hard punishment to the perpetrators.”
He was addressing members of the Mabote Community Police, commonly known as Mahokela, whose policing area covers Khubetsoana, Mabote, Motimposo, Thuathe, Mokhethoaneng, Stadium Area and Marabeng.
“These drug lords are ruthless. They corrupt our school-going youth with drugs, destroying their future and any hopes of becoming successful in life,” Mr Matekane said to cheers from the gathering.
“They do not deserve any leniency before justice.”
M5bn drug case
Mr Matekane did not name anyone when referring to the Berea drug operation.
However, police raided a rented workshop at Lifariking, Khubetsoana, earlier this year and allegedly discovered about 7.5 tonnes of chemicals believed to be associated with the manufacture of crystal methamphetamine, ecstasy and substances linked to khat.
The haul was estimated to have a street value approaching M5 billion.
Chinese nationals Chen Wei, Chen Minglevu and Yang Xiong Kang; their company Stan Dar (Pty) Ltd; senior Industry Development Officer Kemong Masupha; and Mr Mofomobe have since been charged in connection with the alleged operation.
They face charges relating to the manufacture of drugs, unlawful importation of medicines and medical devices, and unlawful discharge of hazardous substances into the environment.
They deny wrongdoing and are challenging the charges.
Mr Matekane used his address to challenge Commissioner of Police Advocate Borotho Matsoso to assess whether the 500 additional police officers recently approved by the government would be sufficient to combat the growing drug problem.
“Ntate Matsoso, just the other day we gave you the opportunity to employ 500 new police officers in your organisation in an attempt to bridge the gaps in your low staff resources,” Mr Matekane said.
“But at the rate at which our youth are being corrupted and held captive by drugs, do you suppose this will be enough?
“In generations to come, will we still have a bunch of youths willing and able to carry the policing baton forward at the rate at which drug lords are penetrating communities?”
Protect infrastructure
The Prime Minister also ordered police to strengthen enforcement around public infrastructure, expressing particular concern over streetlights destroyed by reckless and drunken motorists.
He said replacing a single streetlight cost approximately M40 000, while many of the motorists responsible could not afford to reimburse the government.
“I have observed so much damage happening to our streetlights, which is often due to reckless driving encouraged by drunken driving, as often verified by police,” he said.
“What is even more unfortunate is that these perpetrators cannot even afford to replace the streetlights or repay the damage.”
Mr Matekane said he had discussed extensive damage to streetlights along Mpilo Boulevard with Adv Matsoso and suggested earlier closing times for bars and taverns to reduce alcohol-related road accidents.
“I had a discussion with the Chief of Police earlier about the damage we have had along Mpilo Boulevard alone, and it’s very costly to replace,” he said.
Maintain police vehicles
Mr Matekane also criticised poor maintenance of police vehicles, saying avoidable mechanical breakdowns were undermining law enforcement.
His government had procured vehicles for law-enforcement agencies after taking office following the 2022 elections, including vehicles allocated to Mabote Police Station.
But Adv Matsoso had subsequently presented him with a lengthy list of vehicles that were no longer operational.
“You wrote me such a long list of vehicles that are no longer operational due to mechanical problems, and I tell you all that could have been avoided had your service and maintenance teams been vigilant,” Mr Matekane said.
He reiterated his government’s commitment to development projects in Berea, citing the electrification of Sekhutlong in Mokhethoaneng and planned road paving, water and electrification projects.
“We are committed to ensuring developments are realised in Berea. We also work to ensure that those developments bring jobs to the communities,” he said.
Meanwhile, Mabote Community Policing leader Habofanoe Letsie welcomed the Prime Minister’s visit, saying it had raised hopes that the work of community policing volunteers would receive greater government recognition.
“This work has no salary or benefits but is made up of dedicated men and women who wish to see their communities living in peace,” Mr Letsie said.
He said the group was still waiting for Mr Matekane to fulfil its request for a vehicle but remained optimistic.
“I have learnt that he is a good listener and someone who is better at demonstrating with actions,” Mr Letsie said.
“We truly value his visit and hope to have more interactions with him in the near future.”
