Lesotho Mounted Police Service
Lesotho Mounted Police Service (LMPS) is Lesotho’s national police force. It is based in Maseru, and its motto is Lepolesa Mothusi Motsoalle, meaning “A Helper, A Friend.” The current Commissioner is Advocate Borotho Matsoso, who took office on 24 May 2024.
The LMPS was established on 18 October 1872 with 110 men and used a British-style military rank system from 1878. In the 1950s it began to operate as a civilian police force, and in 1958 it replaced its military ranks with civilian police ranks. It has had several names over time, including Basutoland Mounted Police, Lesotho Police, Lesotho Mounted Police, and Royal Lesotho Mounted Force, before adopting its current name, Lesotho Mounted Police Service.
The National Police Training College opened in 1946. Recruits start as Cadets and complete a 13-month training course. Applicants must be 18 to 30 years old and Lesotho citizens. Women have been admitted since 1970.
This page was last edited on 2 February 2026, at 10:34 (CET).