LCS boss pledges Damascene turn

’MATHATO SEBOKA
MASERU – Lesotho Correctional Service (LCS) officers are committed to treating inmates with dignity and respect. LCS’ Deputy Commissioner of Security Operations, Mosheoane Tšolo, said this during his testimony at the ongoing commission of inquiry on Monday this week.
The inquiry is probing the escape of six inmates from the facility on December 21, 2023. Although all escapees were eventually recaptured, one died while another sustained two fractured legs during the jail break.
“We have been trained to treat inmates humanely,” Tšolo told the commission chaired by High Court Judge Realeboha Mathaba. Other members of the commission include retired LCS Commissioner Mojalefa Thulo, as well as lawyer and diplomat King’s Counsel (KC) Kelebone Maope.
Tšolo said: “Despite the unfortunate incidents that led to this inquiry, it is crucial to acknowledge that our officers are educated to respect inmates’ rights.” He also addressed the controversial practice of forcing inmates to squat during searches, a procedure he was unaware of. “I was not informed that recruits would conduct such searches without my office’s approval,” he added.
The commission is not just concerned with the escape; it is also investigating how contraband finds its way into the facility. Tšolo acknowledged that contraband often enters through inmates who work outside or through visitors, despite thorough searches.
“Visitors persist in attempting to smuggle in prohibited items,” he said. He also suggested that officers themselves might be responsible, as they are not subjected to searches upon entering the facility.
“In other countries, officers are searched upon arrival at work. We need to adopt this practice to prevent contraband smuggling,” he said. Tšolo provided a detailed overview of the procedures for admitting inmates into the Maseru Central Correctional Institution (MCCI).
“Inmates are brought by police, and our receiving personnel check court documents to confirm the inmate’s identity. If an inmate is injured, they are taken to the hospital before admission,” he explained. The initial interview with receiving personnel determines the inmate’s housing assignment within the facility.
The LCS classifies inmates into high-, medium-, and low-risk categories, with different wings of the prison designated for each risk level. “The new block houses very high-risk inmates, including those with significant societal status. These inmates must be protected from society and from other inmates,” Tšolo said.
He emphasised the facility’s authority over inmates, regardless of their previous status. “Everyone leaves their rank at the gate; we are superior to every inmate here,” he said.
Initially, the facility had a reception block where new inmates were temporarily housed before their permanent assignment. However, this building was repurposed, and now inmates are taken directly to their designated blocks.
“We have the main prison, the maximum-security block, and a new block. High-risk inmates are isolated in Block D,” Tšolo explained. Foreign inmates are automatically assigned single cells due to their vulnerability.
Block A accommodates inmates involved in external activities like gardening and cooking, while the maximum-security block serves as a quarantine area before inmates are transferred to the main prison.
“Foreign inmates qualify for single cells at maximum because they are as vulnerable as those with high social status,” Tšolo said. Block B is designated for unconvicted inmates who are still attending remand hearings.
Despite the challenges, the LCS remains dedicated to maintaining a secure and humane environment for all inmates. The commission’s findings and recommendations are anticipated to bring about significant improvements in the management and operation of the correctional facilities.