Lesotho: MPs Oppose New Police Retirement Age Proposal

Members of Parliament are opposing a proposed legal amendment. This amendment aims to raise the retirement age for police officers from 55 to 60 years.

Some MPs believe this change will hinder opportunities for young people. Others want the government to explain why the change is necessary. The Minister of Local Government, Lebona Lephema, gazetted the proposal last Friday. It has not yet been presented in Parliament.

The regulation allows the Commissioner to retire police officers at age 60. It amends Regulation 11 of the Lesotho Mounted Police Service (Administration) Regulations, 2003. The words "55 years" would be replaced with "60 years."

The Commissioner can retire an officer before or after they turn 60. Additionally, retired officers may be retained on a contract basis if deemed beneficial.

If the Commissioner believes it’s in the Police Service's best interest, they can keep an officer beyond retirement age for up to five years. Officers who have served over 20 continuous years can retire at age 40. However, those facing disciplinary actions cannot resign.

Mr. Lephema also proposes changes to police ranks. The head of the police service will be called Inspector General of Police instead of Commissioner of Police. A Deputy Inspector General will assist them, and third-ranking officers will be called Commissioners. A new rank called Police Assistant will also be introduced.

However, some MPs strongly oppose these amendments. Basotho National Party MP Machesetsa Mofomobe criticized it as "elitist and counterproductive." He expressed concern that it serves only pensioners' interests.

Mofomobe stated that passing this regulation would show cowardice and serve a few individuals' interests only. Revolution for Prosperity MP Tšeliso Moroke questioned the logic behind raising the retirement age.

Moroke suggested waiting for more information from the minister about this amendment's rationale. He noted that there have been no complaints about the current retirement age of 55.

"We need their argument," he said, emphasizing that if nothing is wrong, there’s no need for change.

Chairperson Mokhothu Makhalanyane suggested aligning security sector changes with the Tenth Amendment to the Constitution under Senate review. This amendment was passed to the upper house last October and should return in May.

Makhalanyane argued that all security agencies should submit amendments together under this law instead of individually. He mentioned a recent controversial bill seeking to raise army commanders' retirement age from 55 to 62.

He added that Lesotho Correctional Service and Lesotho National Security Service are expected to propose amendments too.

"There is a Tenth Amendment including security sectors," he said, advocating for a unified approach rather than isolated submissions.

He referenced last week's rejection of the LDF Bill in Parliament and stressed collective discussion on these issues is essential.

Makhalanyane emphasized conducting studies and comparing policies with international treaties related to social protection and security standards across Africa.