Hopolang Mokhopi
THE Lesotho National Federation of Organisations of the Disabled (LNFOD) has raised concerns about the rampant abuse faced by people with disabilities, particularly the rape of minors.
This after a 27-year-old Quthing man, Moshe Sake, was charged by the Quthing Magistrates Court last week for raping a 10-year-old girl with a disability.
Sake appeared before Magistrate ‘Marethabile Rantja who remanded him into the custody of the Lesotho Correctional Service (LCS).
He was ordered to reappear before the same court on 18 November 2024.
According to Woman Police Constable (W/P/C) Itheba Ramoeletsi from the Child and Gender Protection Office (CGPU) in Phamong, Quthing, the victim had disappeared while playing with her peers on 2 November 2024.
“As the day progressed, parents began to notice that one child was missing. Initially, they assumed that she had simply fallen asleep somewhere nearby,” WPC Ramoeletsi said.
However, as the evening approached without her resurfacing, worry started to torment the parents who then raised an alarm within the community which began searching for her.
She said after some time, a local villager reported hearing the cries of a child coming from a nearby open field.
“When they arrived there, they found the girl in distress but still alive. She was taken to the area chief’s place who then reported the matter to the police.
“Investigations ensued and Moshe Sake was subsequently arrested, and was remanded into custody. He is scheduled to appear in court again on 18 November,” she said.
For his part, Sub Inspector Tefo Kopeli, also from the CGPU, stressed the importance of protecting vulnerable children and ensuring that offenders were held accountable for their actions.
Despite the challenges posed by individuals who continued to perpetrate abuse, he said the police remained committed to safeguarding communities and preventing future incidents of this nature.
“The case serves as a sombre reminder of the need for vigilance and community cooperation in protecting children from harm,” he said.
The LNFOD Project Coordinator, Rabasotho Moeletsi, said they had been hit hard by the recent spike in abuse cases against people with disabilities.
He urged the community to recognise that people with disabilities were normal people who needed not to be taken advantage of.
“They deserve respect and proper treatment. They are individuals who need love and to be cherished just like anyone else,” Mr Moeletsi said.
He appealed to those who engage in abusive actions to stop immediately.
“People with disabilities, whether they are mothers or children, should not be seen merely as objects but rather as dignified individuals deserving of the respect of humanity.”
He applauded the police and courts for taking a stand against abuse of people with disabilities.
“The current cases in the courts highlight that people with disabilities are becoming more recognised within our society. Historically, these matters were often overlooked, and it was common for victims of abuse to be marginalised or disbelieved, while their aggressors faced no consequences.”
