—-As it expands to tackle crime in Mokhotlong
Seithati Motšoeneng
OPERATION Fiela, an initiative aimed at cracking down on crime, has successfully reduced criminal activities in the Berea and Leribe districts over the past year, the police claimed yesterday.
According to police spokesperson, Senior Superintendent Mpiti Mopeli, this collaborative initiative led by the Lesotho Mounted Police Service (LMPS), and involving the Lesotho Defence Force (LDF), National Security Service (NSS) and the Lesotho Correctional Service (LCS) had now set its sights on the Mokhotlong district, which has experienced a surge in gang-related violence and other serious crimes in recent times.
Addressing a media briefing at the police headquarters yesterday, Snr Supt Mopeli said security agencies had worked tirelessly to mitigate the soaring criminal activities that had been plaguing Berea and Leribe, significantly reducing crime rates in those areas.
Launched in April 2024, Operation Fiela had so far led to the recovery of 747 illegal firearms, 3,031 rounds of ammunition, 6,000 stolen animals and seen over 1,000 arrests.
The security agencies were now turning their attention to Mokhotlong, which had become a growing crime hotspot, he said.
The operational strategies in Mokhotlong would likely mirror those employed in Berea and Leribe, focusing on dismantling gang networks, recovering illegal firearms, and enhancing community safety, he said.
“Operation Fiela’s expansion signals a commitment to restoring safety and peace to all corners of the nation. The success in Berea and Leribe serves as a promising model for what can be achieved through collaboration, vigilance, and community engagement in the fight against crime,” Snr Supt Mopeli said.
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