MASERU – Police Commissioner Holomo Molibeli says a Chinese national, 3 police officers and a civilian are assisting police with investigations into the disappearance of more than 70 guns from a police armoury in Mafeteng.

Molibeli and heads of units addressed the media about the stolen Mafeteng guns, the gun scheme of the police’s staff association, LEPOSA – and the M50million allegedly stolen from government coffers.

He says the Chinese national, a well known businessman, had one of the stolen guns in his possession.

Police say 7 firearms have been recovered and it’s now known where others are, and they will be recovered .

Police say many of the guns were exhibits that were part of ongoing investigations and will affect the administration of justice if they are not found.

Molibeli says the credibility and dignity of police suffers when incidents of this nature happen, and Lesotho police as an institution, is looked down upon by their peers.

“Criminals are criminals even when they are wearing a police uniforms.” Says Molibeli.

He says the high court and police will join forces to fast track criminal cases and restore public confidence.

Asked if he is aware that South African mining companies are concerned that these weapons will end up at their operations, Molibeli says they should not be concerned because illegal weapons are used usually used by illegal miners, but Lesotho police will work with mining companies to ensure that they don’t end there.

The commissioner says it’s not true that the suspects arrested with firearms in Kimberly, South Africa, had these stolen weapons.