GABORON-(MaraviPost) – An intelligence officer working with Lesotho’s National Security Service (NSS) was arrested after he allegedly raped 14-year-old girl and sodomized a 16-year-old boy.

The deputy police spokesperson, Inspector Mareabetsoe Mofoka, confirmed the arrest adding that the suspect, Khethollo Lekoane (52) had been with the agency for the last 30 years.

The boy had been accompanied to Lekoane’s home by his grandmother after he had hired him as a shepherd to look after his livestock.

However, a day after the incident, the victim reportedly packed his bags and left before he recounted his ordeal to a stranger who approached him along his way upon noticing unusual movement. He was later taken to police where a report was made and a case opened against Lekoane, Lesotho Times reported.

While the police were still waiting for a directive on how to proceed, Lekoane allegedly raped a 14-year-old girl at gunpoint on 10 May 2022. He was arrested before released on M2500 bail pending court reappearance on 1 June 2022.

The case comes amid increased incidences of crimes committed by members of the NSS and other security agencies in the country.

Late last month, 38-year-old Relebohile Tšolo woman was gunned down by her police officer husband.

Two months ago, Police arrested another NSS officer, Rethabile Tsietsi (40) for allegedly gunning down his stepson, Bokang Tsietsi before he was granted bail pending courts appearance.

NSS has however, condemned the criminal acts of some of its officers. The agency has petitioned the general public to trust the institution’s mandate to keep people safe in the country.