Govt bans offensive famo songs
Police and Public Safety Minister Monyane Moleleki yesterday announced a ban on famo songs that incite violence among fans.
Mr Moleleki’s statement came a day after Tourism, environment and culture Minister, likeleli Tampane, said government was looking at ways to curb famo-related violence spearheaded by Mafetenglinked gangs by the names Terene and Seakhi.
“We are going to be adopting a number of measures to curb these famo gang wars. And key to this is making sure radio stations, mini- buses and taxis stop playing famo songs with lyrics which incite hatred and violence,” said Mr Moleleki at a press conference held in Maseru. Last week, five people were shot dead in Maseru in suspected famo-related violence, which Mr Moleleki strongly condemned. The killings appear to be the reason government has decided to do something about the senseless violence.
Mr Moleleki also said he would be leading a committee comprising energy Minister Selibe Mochoboroane, Human Rights, law and constitutional Affairs Minister Motlalentoa letsosa, communications Minister Khotso letsatsi, Tourism Minister likeleli Tampane and Home Affairs Deputy Minister Phallang Monare, that has been tasked with finding lasting solutions to the famo turf war.
“We are taking this initiative, as government, because we are concerned by these incessant attacks of one Mosotho child by another.
“it has come to our attention that since the killing of a man from Maboloka in January 2014, there have been more famo-related killings in lesotho and outside the country,” said Mr Moleleki.
The ministerial committee, he added, had already started its work and would be supported by the po- lice.
“The first step is safeguarding the safety of the general population. The police have also increased night patrols in Maseru to ensure the safety of the public. Secondly, we are urging people to stop playing these songs that incite violence.
“We are also going to be working on ensuring any famo violencerelated cases are heard speedily by the courts. We would also be going on tours across the country to meet families affected by this violence and also address villagers on this issue,” said Mr Moleleki.
The minister also urged anyone with information that could help
the police arrest suspects in the famo killings, to come forward.
Deputy commissioner of Police Masupha Masupha, who attended yesterday’s press briefing, also warned residents against harbouring suspects of such killings.
According to DCP Masupha, protecting suspects is a crime and anyone found to have done so would be prosecuted.
Senior Assistant commissioner Mpota Nthako, also told yesterday’s media briefing that famo-related deaths declined in 2011, 2012 and 2013 due to government efforts to end the violence.
“But it seems the killings mostly affect people from Terateng, Maboloka, Thabana-morena and Matelile (in Mafeteng).
“Mafeteng courts have since increased fines to discourage this kind of violence,” he added.