Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Lesotho Times
Published on 2024-04-11 12:59:59
The recent brutal murder of Qoqotho, another Famo gangster, has once again brought to light the ongoing violence and chaos within the infamous gangs in Lesotho. Qoqotho had been charged for one of the most heinous murders in the country, adding to the long list of violent crimes attributed to the Famo groups.
In the wake of Qoqotho’s murder, Tṧepiso “Mosotho” Radebe, leader of Terene ea Khosi Mokata, called on Prime Minister Sam Matekane to intervene and remove national security members from the Famo groups. He accused these security agents of fueling the violence by supplying weapons to the gangs. Mosotho highlighted the need for peace-building efforts and urged the government to broker peace among the Famo groups to prevent further bloodshed.
The violent nature of the Famo gangs has caused widespread fear and instability in Lesotho. Members of rival groups engage in fatal shootings, often acting as “guns for hire” for those planning violent crimes. The Famo groups, associated with the Famo music genre, are known for their criminal activities and are even labeled as “terrorists” by the National Security Agency.
Mosotho emphasized the urgency of the situation, pointing out that women and children are now becoming targets of the Famo gang violence. He called for unity and peace among Basotho, urging all groups to come together and work towards lasting peace. Mosotho also stressed the need for structural reforms within the Famo groups to discipline members and prevent further criminal activities.
The involvement of security agents in the Famo groups has exacerbated the violence, with reports of missing firearms and corrupt practices within the security forces. Mosotho expressed concerns about the influence of security agents on the gangs and called for their removal to restore trust within the community.
In an effort to address the ongoing crisis, Mosotho proposed a meeting with the security chiefs and civic society to promote dialogue and reconciliation among the Famo groups. He emphasized the importance of transparency and sincere efforts to build lasting peace and unity among the groups.
Despite the challenges and internal disputes within the Famo groups, Mosotho remained optimistic about the potential for reform and peacebuilding. He highlighted the progress made within his own group in resolving conflicts and maintaining discipline among members. Mosotho acknowledged the need for all Famo groups to establish similar structures and formalize their operations to prevent further criminal activities.
As the Prime Minister’s office awaits formal engagement from Mosotho, there is hope for a constructive dialogue to address the root causes of violence and promote peace among the Famo groups in Lesotho. The plea for peace from the Famo gang boss serves as a reminder of the urgent need for collective action to end the cycle of violence and restore stability in the country.
Read the original article on Lesotho Times
