Enter Morai as Molibeli hangs his boots
LINEO MALATALIANA
MASERU – The Retiring Commissioner of the Lesotho Mounted Police Service (LMPS), Holomo Molibeli, passed the baton to the Acting Commissioner of Police, Dr. Mahlape Morai, yesterday at the Police Training College (PTC). In his valedictory speech, the former commissioner declared, “It is done,” attributing all his achievements during his time in office to the grace of God.
“When I assumed office in 2017, the country was in turmoil. Lesotho had problems that made it an agenda item for the Southern African Development Community (SADC), and a mandate was passed for Lesotho to address the Rule of Law,” he said.
His primary mandate upon taking office was to reinstate the rule of law and address high-profile cases.
“You can bear witness that those high-profile cases are in the courts as we speak, proving that my team and I have completed our task,” COMPOL Holomo reiterated that it is done.
He further mentioned working with the late Lesotho Defence Force (LDF) commander, Lieutenant General Khoentle Motšomotšo to handle the high-profile cases and bring them to court. He recalled the challenges of finding a venue for their meetings until they decided to use the Defence Headquarters.
“It was six in the evening, and the next morning General Motšomotšo was killed on the belief that he had sold LDF to the police,” the ex-commissioner said, illustrating the trying times. He acknowledged the incumbent army commander, Lt, Gen. Mojalefa Letsoela for their collaboration in reinstating the Rule of Law and resolving high-profile cases. He also thanked the Director General of the National Security Service (NSS), Pheello Ralenkone, for their joint efforts that led to Lesotho no longer being on the SADC agenda.
Molibeli encouraged the police service and the nation to see their achievements and failures as a collective team effort, not solely his burden. He concluded his speech with words of encouragement for the Acting Commissioner.
“Congratulations, ‘Me, with the trust the King and the nation have entrusted in you. This baton I am handing over is a pledge that I am always here to support you. I will listen to your call when you ask for assistance,” the outgoing commissioner said. The grounds of PTC were filled with celebration as the LMPS put on a beautiful display when ex-Commissioner Molibeli officially handed over the baton to the incoming Acting Commissioner, Dr. Mahlape Morai.
Welcoming the new police chief, Prime Minister Ntsokoane Samuel Matekane said: “Today is a joyous day as we witness the former Commissioner Holomo handing over power to his colleague, Dr. Morai. This marks a historic moment, and we are privileged to witness this transition in such a manner.”
He also extended gratitude to the retiring commissioner for the dedication demonstrated during his years of service in the LMPS. Matekane requested Molibeli to remain vigilant and provide advice to the incoming office when needed.
“Dr. Morai, you are stepping into significant shoes previously worn by remarkable individuals, from the first Commissioner A. Namoli in 1972 to Commissioner Holomo,” he said.
He encouraged Morai to adhere to the police motto, “Police a helper, a friend,” while undertaking this responsibility and emphasised the importance of remembering that the nation is looking up to her.
For her part, Morai began by thanking the Prime Minister through the Minister of Police for entrusting her with the task of leading the LMPS.
“I promise to serve the nation with passion, truthfulness, patience, and responsibility,” she pledged.
She credited the outgoing commissioner for his work during his time in office and acknowledged that the journey ahead is challenging but will be made easier with the support of the leadership.
Dr. Morai used a quote from Charles Dickens’ ‘A Tale of Two Cities’ to explain her 22-year journey in the LMPS. She then presented COMPOL Holomo with a gift to mark this day.
