Mohale FM The Directorate on Corruption and Economic Offences (DCEO) has called on the public to work closely with the institution in the fight against corruption.
Speaking in an interview, DCEO Public Relations Officer ’Matlhokomelo Senoko said corruption poses a serious threat to economic growth, as it discourages investors from putting money into a country perceived to be corrupt. She explained that this has a negative impact on the national economy and contributes to high unemployment levels, particularly among young people. She therefore appealed to members of the public to support the DCEO in combating corruption.
Her remarks follow events from last week, during which the DCEO instituted five corruption cases against public servants in Maseru and Leribe.
One of the cases involves a court official who is alleged to have defrauded members of the public by soliciting money in exchange for promises of securing them employment. Another case involves a professor at the National University of Lesotho, who is suspected of misusing public funds for personal benefit.
Additional cases involve clerks at the Maputsoe Local Court, who are accused of misappropriating public funds by promising favorable court outcomes, as well as stealing court monies. In another matter, officials from a non-governmental organization are alleged to have stolen the organization’s funds.
Ms Senoko said the DCEO is mandated to ensure that public resources are used for their intended purposes and not for personal enrichment.
