By: Masekonyela Makhaba
Africa-Press – Lesotho. Addiction to drugs and alcohol is quickly becoming a pandemic and spreading like wildfire in Lesotho, a country once known for its people who are deeply rooted into Christianity and good moral practices emanating from their culture.
Some members of the public are blamed for encouraging the scourge. Unemployment and the ailing economy is also blamed. Community Leaders, the police and government are also accused of dragging their feet in rooting out the problem. The courts are criticised for leniency to drug dealers. Absent parents due to work, busy lifestyles, technology and social media are stated as some of the contributing factors in the escalation of drug and alcohol abuse.
The abuse of drugs and alcohol is not only a problem in villages as it has also spread out to schools affecting performance of students and the images of some of the prestigious and best performing schools.
Several cases have been reported in which drug and alcohol abuse is suspected to be the cause of children murdering their biological and adoptive parents because they want money to feed their addiction.
Currently, there is a case pending before the High Court of Lesotho in which two siblings, Nthei Rasekoai and Mamphoka Rasekoai are accused of brutally killing their mother Martha Rasekoai while they were allegedly intoxicated, although it is not clear of what. It is alleged that on July 25 2022 they assaulted her with a spade, kept her body until it was dark, loaded it into a vehicle and dumped it in a donga where it was later discovered.
The allegations go further to show that the two ladies who were at that time aged 32 and 25 respectively and unemployed, also with children, wanted to gain from the death of their mother by getting access to her M1 million insurance payout.
Recent incidents surrounding the abuse of alcohol and drugs including deaths where parents lose their children through drug abuse and drunk driving, increased crime rate, arrests and drug dealership have forced a group of women to come together and establish an organisation called Mokhosi Oa ‘Mangoana translating to ‘ A Cry of a child’s mother’.
Speaking in an interview with Public Relations Officer of the organisation Ms. Pontso Tumisi said as women with children and partners who are substance abusers, they felt obliged to take action and address the problem which is destroying families and the future of young people in the country.
“Through the organisation, we offer support to each other as it is more difficult to be a caretaker of an addict. She We source means to also support those batt;ing with addiction and secure therapy as well as advocate for prevention”, she said. She however pointed out that as a non-profit making organisation with no funding, it is difficult to reach their goals but through determination they continue to push towards ensuring a country free of alcohol and substance abuse.
Ms.Tumisi lamented that not much is done to address alcohol and substance abuse in Lesotho. She said few arrests are made especially on those who operate with dagga while the main problem is other types of drugs such as cocaine and crystal meth. She pointed out that there are no rehabilitation centres thus making it difficult to effectively fight addiction.
She however said their relationship with the Lesotho Mounted Police Service (LMPS) as the law enforcers, although it started bumpy, is good, adding that they now have a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with them which is geared towards rooting out the problem. She emphasised that no parent would want to see their child a drug addict hence none would facilitate their use. She said there is hope that eventually the goals of the organisation will be reached, and substance abuse will be eradicated.
Also speaking in an interview with the LMPS Public Relations Officer (PRO) Senior Superintendent Mpiti Mopeli stated that there are laws that regulate sales, access and use of alcohol and drugs, comprising Drug of Abuse Act 2008 and Liquor Licensing Act. He pointed out that anyone found in violation of the laws is arrested and prosecuted.
He indicated that the police often conduct operations targeting drug hotspots whether at schools, clubs and homes. He said such operations result from tip offs and intelligence. He added that, working together with community leaders, they go to public gatherings and public places such as schools and churches where they raise awareness about alcohol and substance abuse. He further added that through the use of social media and radio stations where they are allocated slots, they promote education on prevention of alcohol and drug abuse.
“Through random alcohol tests done on the roads, drivers who are found with illegal alcohol limits are arrested and brought before the courts of law”, said the police spokesperson. “Alcohol traders who do not comply with legal operating hours or sell alcohol to minors are made to face the wrath of the law”, he added.
He emphasised that community policing remains the essential part in crime prevention thus encouraged countrywide. He indicated that with the festive season gaining its momentum, everyone should ensure that Lesotho is a safe place for all. He added that parents should set good examples for their children. He called upon members of the public to unite against drug and alcohol abuse as well as report crime and give evidence when needed.
A Counsellor from Ati-Drug Abuse Association of Lesotho (ADAAL) Mrs. ‘Mabatsoeneng Mothobi pointed out that alcohol and drug abuse is one of the major problems faced by the country. She indicated that it is common among the youth aged from 15 to 35 as well as adults aged 35-60.
“Peer pressure still remains a main cause among young people. Some blame unemployment and social problems for their addiction”, she stated.
Mrs. Mothobi pointed out that through their programs comprising prevention, treatment, recovery, support and research, ADAAL is willing to do everything to root out substance and alcohol abuse in Lesotho. She stated that working together with partners and stakeholders, they always ensure that more emphasis is put on prevention. She said they make sure that they target young people at their tender age in order to ensure that the problem is addressed earlier. She said by teaching the young ones, they create an unbreakable chain of awareness.
She emphasised a need for parents to play their role in reducing substance abuse. She said they must avoid using alcohol and drugs at home and in the presence of children. She also highlighted the need for concerted efforts indicating that working together, the fight against substance and alcohol abuse can be won. She encouraged young people to establish and join support groups and sports clubs.
In a separate interview with the Agency early this year, ADAAL through its founder Ms. Mphonyane Mofokeng stated that the growing proximity between liquor stores and pharmacies has sparked concerns following a surge in reported cases of alcohol and drugs among young people. She said a research has suggested collaboration between liquor stores and pharmacies in the supply of alcohol and drugs adding that certain medications available at pharmacies and easily accessed by young people are combined with alcohol thus escalating the abuse.
The substance and alcohol abuse has escalated gangsterism commonly known as ‘Manomoro’, gangs originating from prisons and identifying with certain numbers and signs. These groups are popular among young people and drugs, alcohol as well as crime are the order of the day.
This forced the Lesotho Defence Force (LDF) to intervene as some of its secondary roles include maintenance of essential services, maintenance of law and order as well as crime prevention. They were also motivated by the Constitution of Lesotho where it provides that the country shall adopt policies designed to provide that: ”protection and assistance is given to all children and young persons without any discrimination for reasons of parentage or other conditions”.
According to Director LDF Youth Development Program (YDP) Lieutenant Colonel Bokang Melato, the journey started in 2021 with a rehabilitation program for the youth from Ha Foso, Motimposo, Ha Tsosane, Khubetsoana , Qoaling and surrounding areas where ‘Manomoro’ were prevalent. He added that it started with 78 young people and lasted for three months.
He stated that this was after the LDF command realised that there was lawlessness in certain areas comprising Koalabata, Khubetsoana, Naleli and other villages in Maseru. He stated that it was discovered that young people aged 15-34 engaged in crime motivated by drug abuse, greed and other social problems. He said they terrorised communities around them through housebreakings, stabbing with knives which often resulted in death as well as sexual offences thus jeopardising human security.
“Based on reports, post training, it was then discovered that it was much better to prevent or discourage the youth from indulging in drugs at an early stage as well as deter them from joining the gangs, hence the establishment of the LDF YDP”, he said.
He pointed out that the program which is characterised by a three weeks Boot Camp Training taking place twice a year targets young people aged 14 to 22. He added that it focuses on patriotism, leadership and respect. He emphasised that since December 2021 3500 young people have undergone the training.
Chief Instructor LDF YDP Lieutenant Letsoela Mahao stated that the programme has received a positive response from the general public adding that it is considered by many, especially parents, as a long-term solution which they have been longing for. He stated that at times, parents feel that they are not given a fair chance to get their children into the programme as available space is filled within a short period of announcement of each session of the program.
He pointed out that there are times when those who involuntarily take part in the program go back to their old ways of using drugs and being involved in criminal activities after the program, thus tarnishing the image of the LDF. He emphasised that the aim of the program is to make a positive impact and instil patriotism.
Lieutenant Mahao indicated that the initiative which is also appreciated by students and workers could be more meaningful with support from the government. He said sponsorship from the government such as the one provided by the National Manpower Secretariat will come a long way in ensuring that the underprivileged have access to the program and that it takes longer as the aim is to leave no one behind and make patriotism meaningful.
In October 2025 some members of the Senate called for a ban of sale, distribution and use of hubbly-bubbly in order to protect the health and wellbeing of its citizens especially the youth.
“Harmful use of alcohol results in 3.3 million deaths each year”, says the World Health Organisation (WHO) adding that on average, every person in the world aged 15 year or older, drinks 6.2 litres of pure alcohol per year while at least 15.3 million persons have drug use disorders.
WHO emphasises that Cannabis is the commonly used illicit substance in the African region adding that the highest prevalence and increase is being reported in West and Central Africa with rates between 5.2 percent and 13.5 percent.
“Injecting drugs carries a high risk of infection with bloodborne viruses such as HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C and the sharing of contaminated needles and syringes is an important mode of transmission for those viruses,” said WHO.
The abuse of drugs and alcohol which contribute to road accidents, violent crimes and domestic violence has forced countries around the globe to take a stand, introduce policies and secure the future.
Source: Lesotho News Agency
