Sehithwa Police have appealed to members of the public, especially the youth, to refrain from violent behaviour during the festive season, warning that such actions often lead to murder and serious injuries.
Assistant Superintendent Bathuseng Lesotho of Sehithwa Police said the festive period has historically been marked by an increase in violent crimes in the area, largely driven by alcohol abuse and unresolved personal disputes. He said police are concerned that minor misunderstandings often turn into deadly confrontations.
“Every year around this time, we see fights that start over small issues but end in serious injuries or even loss of life,” Lesotho said. “We are pleading with the community to celebrate responsibly, avoid violence and choose peace.”
Lesotho has, as part of the crime prevention and road safety campaign has urged people, particularly young people to learn to apologise when they have wronged others and to walk away from confrontations instead of resorting to violence. He said pride and anger have cost many families their loved ones during past festive seasons.
The Assistant Superintendent also highlighted the importance of the ongoing stop-and-search operations, saying the campaign has helped police to prevent serious injuries and loss of life. He warned that being found in possession of harmful objects such as knives and other sharp or dangerous items is a criminal offence.
“Our stop-and-search operations are not meant to harass the public but to protect lives,” he explained. “Anyone found carrying knives or other dangerous objects will be charged looking at the type of weapon and the type of person carrying it, while also considering their reason for carrying such objects at that time of the day and that particular place. These are the weapons that turn simple fights into deadly incidents.”
Lesotho revealed that in the Sehithwa policing area, violent crimes are often worsened by alcohol, with some individuals throwing bottles at each other or breaking them and using them to stab their opponents.
“We have seen cases where people use broken bottles as weapons. This is very dangerous and can easily result in death,” he said, urging bar patrons and event organisers to promote peaceful behaviour.
He also raised concern over drunken driving, which he said is mostly common among young people during the festive season. Lesotho warned that driving under the influence not only endangers the driver but also innocent road users.
Despite these concerns, Lesotho said Operation Pabalesego is yielding positive results. He noted that so far, police have not received reports of serious misconduct, unlike previous years when incidents would have already been reported by this time.
“This shows that our operation and community cooperation are working,” he said. “We want to keep it that way. Let us enjoy the festive season safely, responsibly and without violence.”
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