Quthing__Chiefs from all parts of the district have appealed to the Lesotho Mounted Police Service (LMPS) to grant them special consideration in firearms applications, citing increasing vulnerability to attacks and brutal killings.

The matter was raised during the Quthing Chiefs’ monthly meeting held at the District Principal Chief’s office on Monday.

Speaking at the event, Area Chief of Seforong, Chief Joshua Nkuebe, stressed that chiefs, as community leaders, require firearms for their protection.

Chief Nkuebe noted that at least six chiefs have been attacked, with some fatally shot, including the Chief of Lits'oengng in Seforong, Chief Letuka Motsapi who was shot to death last month.

He added that another chief who was attacked last year still has a pending case before the courts of Law, warning that such incidents motivate perpetrators who know chiefs are unarmed. 

Area chief of Ha-Tlhaku, Chief Mpiti Letsie said chiefs legally hold powers to provide witnesses for individuals eligible for firearms, such as Members of Parliament.

Chief Letsie also appealed for the issuance of identification cards for chiefs to present at police roadblocks, where they are sometimes treated disrespectfully during searches.

The chiefs also raised concerns about community members volunteering for crime prevention committee members, noting that some are criminals who exploit the committees to mislead genuine crime prevention efforts.

Responding to the concerns, Deputy District Commissioner Senior Superintendent Semati Chitja explained that the Lesotho Internal Security (Arms and Ammunition) Act of 1966 empowers the Commissioner of Police to license possession of arms and ammunition.

He stressed that chiefs must meet requirements for firearm license, adding that they include no criminal record, ownership of at least 10 cattle valued at not less than M25,000, at least 50 goats or sheep valued at not less than M80,000, at least two vehicles valued at not less than M250,000 each

The next chiefs’ meeting is scheduled for February 2026, where discussions will focus on crime prevention and the election of crime prevention committees.