The Struggle for Power Within the Lesotho Police Service
The recent events involving the suspension and subsequent reinstatement of Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Paseka Mokete have sparked a significant internal conflict within the Lesotho Police Service (LMPS). This power struggle has exposed deep-seated tensions between top-ranking officials, raising concerns about the integrity and effectiveness of the police force.
The Suspension and Reinstatement
Police Commissioner Advocate Borotho Matsoso initially suspended DCP Mokete, citing insubordination. However, within 48 hours, the suspension was lifted on the orders of the Minister of Local Government, Chieftainship, Home Affairs, and Police, Lebona Lephema. DCP Mokete confirmed his reinstatement, stating that he received a letter lifting the suspension and returned to work shortly after.
Background of the Conflict
The friction between the two senior officers had been simmering for months. According to sources at Police Headquarters, the tension reportedly began after DCP Mokete’s appointment as Head of the Criminal Investigation Division (CID) by Mr. Lephema. This move did not sit well with Adv Matsoso, who allegedly felt sidelined.
DCP Mokete’s actions further exacerbated the situation. He submitted a report to the Directorate on Corruption and Economic Offences (DCEO), implicating the Commissioner in the alleged diversion of funds meant for police informants. Additionally, Mokete pursued cases involving high-ranking figures, including former Foreign Affairs Deputy Minister Machesetsa Mofomobe and Director of Migration Mantšebo Motšoanakaba.
There are also allegations that Adv Matsoso is shielding corrupt officers in the Robbery and Car Theft Squad (RCTS), who reportedly accept bribes to release impounded vehicles. Furthermore, there were clashes over illegally renewed firearm licenses.
The Show Cause Letter
In a show cause letter dated 19 September 2025, Adv Matsoso accused DCP Mokete of deliberately disobeying orders related to the arrest and restriction of youth activist Tšolo “Tjeka Tjeka” Thakeli. The letter highlighted concerns about Mokete’s loyalty after a local media outlet quoted him allegedly admitting to signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between LMPS and Mergence Investment Managers “without knowing its contents.”
DCP Mokete’s Response
In a strongly worded response dated 25 September 2025, DCP Mokete dismissed the Commissioner’s allegations as “legally baseless” and motivated by personal vendettas. He argued that there was no legal basis for the show cause letter and that the Commissioner had no authority to issue such a document.
Mokete further insisted that he had not defied any lawful order, claiming that he had delegated the arrest instruction of Tjeka Tjeka to Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Tebello Tšephe, who later denied receiving it. He also clarified that the Commissioner had not initially ordered Thakeli’s questioning.
Regarding the Mergence MoU issue, Mokete denied ever being the team leader at the time of signing. He explained that he was only called to witness the signing and that there was no obligation attached to the witness in an MoU.
The Suspension Letter
Despite Mokete’s detailed defense, Adv Matsoso proceeded to suspend him on 13 October 2025, accusing him of insubordination and bringing the police service into disrepute. The Commissioner cited Section 147(2) of the Constitution and Section 13(1) of the Police Service Act, emphasizing that DCP Mokete was not immune from COMPOL’s instructions.
Fallout and Future Uncertainty
Sources privy to the suspension say Mr. Lephema intervened within two days, instructing the Commissioner to lift the suspension and reinstate DCP Mokete to his position pending further consultations. DCP Mokete confirmed his reinstatement, while Adv Matsoso declined to comment.
The ongoing feud between Adv Matsoso and DCP Mokete has thrown the police force into turmoil, exposing deep internal divisions at its highest level. While DCP Mokete is back at work, sources say relations between the top brass remain “strained and unworkable.”
Adv Matsoso was appointed Commissioner by Prime Minister Sam Matekane in May 2024 on a three-year contract ending May 2027. The ongoing conflict could “paralyze the functioning of the LMPS” and further dent public confidence in the force’s integrity.
