By Kefiloe Kajane
The Prime Minister Moeketsi Majoro, this week, was at pains to provide convincing and satisfactory responses as he came under a barrage of questions from the Upper House of Parliament, the Senate.
Among the questions asked, Senator Professor Nqosa Mahao, quizzed him about the rising killings of Basotho nationals with several incidents remaining unresolved. Mahao contented that the rise in slaying of the nationals was plunging the country into being one of the highest countries experiencing high rate of murders due to violent crimes.
He sought to know any measures and plans being put in place to deal with the deplorable situation given the backlog of cases in the courts of law. Again, he demanded to be enlightened on the efforts to allow for speedy administration of justice.
Mahao also asked whether the state administration would device the Law to make it difficult for perpetrators to get bail while accused of serious criminal acts. He wondered how it would be possible for speedy trials while the judicial budgetary allocation continues to decline annually.
“People placed in high office are likely to be the targets of criminals. How will the government guarantee the safety of these citizens? I have met councilors who say they are afraid to openly criticize the killings as they fear for their lives. Can the government protect those people? Mahao wondered.
Majoro responded that the government is aware of a trail of murders in different villages in the country lately. He admitted some cases have not been resolved.
He said between September and October this year, the police have received 1 058 criminal reports across the country.
“There have been only 328 suspects arrested that appeared before court. Approximately 83 of them have been released because they were not found guilty, 29 were released on bail, 140 are still awaiting trial in the correctional service institution and 76 are in police custody waiting to appear in court.
“The government has decided to create Crime Prevention Committees to train, support and work with already existing crime prevention committees. Training of community policing forums has already started at Ha Ramabanta.
According to Majoro, the training will take nine days where participants will be taught about community protection and crime prevention. He said in order to ensure speedy administration of justice the government has started getting more judges to fill the vacancies.
He further answered that there is a law about issuing of bails that is currently being discussed in Cabinet that reviews. He said the law will have tougher conditions for people to get bail
The principal chief of Matṧekheng, Lesaoana Peete, asked whether Majoro was aware of lack of transportation at police stations. He described the problem as long a long time challenge that has remained unattended.
Peete believed the problem would persist if it was not attended to in time. He sought to know as to when it would be a thing of the past.
Majoro responded that there will be an additional of 169 vehicles to be allocated to the Lesotho Mounted Police Service. He said the fleet was in addition to the already distributed 54 vehicles to different police stations.
Meanwhile, Majoro was also grilled about the lack of funds to support the production of the COVID-19 drug being developed by researchers from the National University of Lesotho (NUL). He said the government was on the path to establish a research fund to sponsor research projects in scientific initiatives.
Mahao felt that the project which was undertaken by NUL was marred by lack of sufficient funding, resulting in its stoppage. He said if approved by the health authorities, the drug would curb the spread of the Coronavirus.
While calling for the government’s financial assistance, he wished the project would be carried to its finality by the education facility.
Mahao further asked what plans are in place both short term and long term to invest more funds into scientific research, innovation and development for Lesotho in the next 20 years.
Majoro indicated that the government of Lesotho through the ministry of communications, science and technology, ministry of health and the ministry of education were attending to the matter.
“I have directed the university to take up on this matter and work together with the government to ensure the drug is used properly when produced. The government is committing on supporting NUL by creating a research fund which will help the university in its research activities. This has been communicated with the management of the school,” he said.
“The government is in full support of the drug production and we are working with the management of the University however we can do provide whatever they need,” Majoro explained.
The cabinet last month resolved to set up a ministerial sub-committee tasked to monitor progress on the potential Covid-19 drug.
The sub-committee is to be composed of the minister of forestry and reclamation, minister of tourism, environment and culture as well as the minister of health. It will be headed by the minister of communications, science and technology.
