LCS officer leaked search information to inmates

’MATHATO SEBOKA

MASERU — In a tense and revealing session at the Maseru Central Correctional Institution (MCCI), Station Commander Tsoto Manaka shared intricate details about the December 2023 escape of six inmates.

The incident has since become a focal point of an ongoing Commission of Enquiry, raising serious concerns about internal corruption and security lapses within the facility.

Manaka disclosed that while he was aware a prison official had leaked information leading to the escape, he could not confirm the identity of the officer, though suspicions strongly pointed to Chief Officer Tololi Ratšele. The escape occurred on the night of December 21, 2023, when the inmates, having been tipped off about an impending search, managed to flee. Manaka recounted how, upon their recapture, the inmates revealed they had prior knowledge of the search.

In his initial testimony at the Commission, Manaka expressed his suspicion of Ratšele, citing the latter’s dubious associations with inmates and a history of trafficking contraband into the prison. This week, during a heated cross-examination, Ratšele challenged these accusations, forcing Manaka to elaborate on the basis of his claims.

Manaka explained that after discovering the escapees had been forewarned, he immediately contacted the Officer Commanding Correctional Staff Training School (CSTS) Assistant Commissioner Lipholo Nthako.

Nthako admitted to sharing the information with Assistant Superintendent Chobokoane, who in turn had informed Ratšele. This chain of communication, according to Manaka, raised his suspicion as Ratšele had a notorious reputation for leaking information to inmates.

In a critical part of his testimony, Manaka mentioned that inmate Aumane Nkoale, during a visit, had overheard a conversation indicating that the inmates needed to escape that night to avoid being caught with an iron rod they had hidden. Another prisoner, Rethabile Makhila Tlali corroborated this, stating that Nkoale had relayed this information after meeting a visitor.

During the cross-examination, Ratšele pressed Manaka on whether any officer had directly implicated him in the information leak. Manaka responded that no such direct accusation had been made, as the investigations were still ongoing and the officer involved was yet to be identified publicly. However, Manaka stood firm on his suspicion, attributing it to Ratšele’s tarnished record.

Ratšele contended that any individual responsible for such a grave breach of security should face legal consequences. Manaka agreed, referencing a prior incident on August 9, 2022, when an inmate had directly accused Ratšele of leaking information. Manaka questioned why Ratšele had not been sued then, hinting at systemic leniencies and oversights.

The tension escalated as Manaka recounted his conversation with Senior Assistant Commissioner Mahao about Ratšele’s transfer to the training college. He expressed concern about the potential negative influence on the recruits, given Ratšele’s history.

Manaka implied that Ratšele harboured resentment towards him, which might have motivated his actions, ultimately leading to a breakdown in discipline among the recruits, evidenced by their subsequent assault on inmates.

As the Commission of Enquiry continues, the revelations have cast a spotlight on the internal challenges at MCCI, highlighting the need for stringent measures to curb corruption and ensure the integrity of correctional staff.

The outcome of these proceedings could have significant implications for the future management of the institution and the accountability of its officers.