Mohale FM The Lesotho Mounted Police Service (LMPS) has issued a strong warning to the public over the growing spread of human trafficking in the country, urging citizens to remain vigilant as the crime increasingly affects people of all ages and genders.
Speaking to the media in Maseru on Tuesday, Inspector ’Mareabetsoe Mofoka said human trafficking is no longer limited to specific groups, noting that even elderly people are now falling victim to the crime.
Inspector Mofoka cautioned the public to be alert, particularly when offered employment opportunities or scholarships abroad. She advised that such offers should first be verified through the Police Interpol office to confirm their legitimacy.
Meanwhile, Inspector Mofoka expressed concern over the rising number of sexual abuse cases, saying there is hardly a week that passes without reports of such incidents. She noted that sexual abuse affects people across all age groups, from infants to the elderly.
She made these remarks following a recent case in which a 56-year-old man, identified as Lobiane Mabetha from Liphiring Ha-Raisa in the Mohale’s Hoek district, is facing charges of sexually abusing his 87-year-old grandmother.
The suspect appeared in court on the 4th of this month but failed to pay bail of M2,000 and is currently being held at a correctional facility.
He is expected to appear in court again on the 23rd of this month.
