The Lesotho Mounted Police Service (LMPS) has announced plans to mount information boxes at selected places, which members of the public can use to anonymously tip the police of crimes.
The information boxes will be placed at strategic locations such as large businesses, filling stations and supermarkets throughout the country excluding Thaba Tseka, Mokhotlong and Qacha’s Nek.
The initiative aims to address concerns from people who might have information on crime but are afraid to report it in person at police stations.
Deputy police spokesperson Sub-Inspector ‘Mareabetsoe Mofoka said there have been instances where individuals were apprehensive about giving tips because they were worried that their identities would be disclosed, leading to potential backlash from suspects.
Mofoka noted that in some cases, police unwittingly divulge the identities of tip-off sources, causing discomfort.
“To address such issues, the new system ensures that no personal information such as names, contacts or physical address is required.
“Instead, individuals simply need to write down what they know in a letter,” she said.
She further explained that the letters deposited in these boxes will not accessed by just any officers; instead, they will be reviewed by the District Commissioners of Police (DISPOL), who are responsible for unlocking the boxes and categorising the tips according to the relevant department – gender issues, fraud, diamond or drugs.
“This initiative was launched on Wednesday last week.
“In urban area, the boxes will be checked regularly, while in the more remote areas, the DISPOL will visit once a week. For urgent matters, the LMPS emergency number should still be used,” she said.
The Senior Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of crime prevention and coordination of community policing, Ezekiel Senti, said they have currently placed 47 boxes, and will continue placing more in other districts.
Senti urged Basotho to take care of those boxes and not to fiddle with them. A Qoaling resident, Thabo Mofokeng, commended the initiative and urged the LMPS to continue reminding Basotho about these boxes and where they are placed.
