Accused recruits deny hand in prisons assault

’MATHATO SEBOKA

MASERU – Tensions are running high as recruits who were deployed at the Maseru Central Correctional Institution (MCCI) on December 22, 2023, testified before a Commission of Inquiry, emphatically denying their involvement in the alleged assault of inmates.

These recruits, hailing from various districts, took the stand this week, facing intense questioning from the commission, which is chaired by High Court Judge Realeboha Mathaba.

They recounted their experiences during the search at the prison facility, marking only their second deployment to the institution since joining the Lesotho Correctional Services (LCS).

Correctional Officer Molibeli Molibetsane recounted the events of that day, when he and other recruits were deployed to the MCCI for a search operation. “We left the Correctional Service Training School (CSTS) early in the morning, having been instructed to conduct a search at the prison facility,” he stated.

Upon their arrival, they were directed to various blocks within the institution. Molibetsane was assigned to Block C, a place he was somewhat familiar with, despite working there only briefly.

After completing the search in Block C, the team moved to Block B, where they assisted in completing the search that was already underway. They then proceeded to Block D, where they arrived just as the search was concluding. The team then dispersed to other areas, including the maximum-security unit.

Molibetsane acknowledged carrying a stick during the operation but insisted it was not used to assault inmates. “I took the stick inside the facility, though I do not remember where I found it. I used it to poke around in areas I could not reach during the search, but I did not use it to assault anyone,” he explained.

Another officer, Correctional Officer Morapeli Tlhakola, provided his account, stating that the team had been briefed the night before the search. “We were informed on December 21 that we would be conducting a search the next day. That night, we heard an alarm go off at MCCI, and those of us from out of town were left wondering what was happening.

“We were later told that some inmates had escaped, so we scattered around to search for them. We returned to CSTS around 2:30 a.m. The next morning, Chief Officer Ratšele came to collect us, and we arrived at the MCCI around 5 a.m.,” Tlhakola recounted.

He admitted that he was unsure of the layout of the blocks, but he confirmed searching at least one inmate and discovering prohibited items.

“I entered the facility and heard when Ratšele explained that we were in Block C. I searched an inmate and found some contraband, including some clue. After that, I took it upon myself to collect prohibited items. I only searched one inmate that day, and since that inmate was not assaulted, I was unaware of any assaults happening elsewhere,” he said.

Correctional Officer Mahooaneng Matjama also testified, stating that while he did not participate in any assaults, he did hear cries coming from the inmates. “We were told to be ready in the morning for the search. We left CSTS and arrived at MCCI, where Ratšele allocated us to different blocks. I was directed to Block A, or at least I think it was Block A. We searched and found contraband items.

“As we moved to another block, there was a commotion in the corridor, and Rats’ele ordered us to leave. We waited until we were taken back to CSTS,” Matjama recalled. When asked about Ratšele’s testimony, which placed him in Block A and accused him of assaulting inmates, Matjama denied the allegations.

“I won’t deny that I was in Block A, but I was not assaulting inmates. I believe Ratšele may have mistaken me for someone else. I do not recall hearing cries in Block A, but I did hear them when we were in Block D, just before Ratšele stopped us,” he explained.

Justice Mathaba, who is chairing the Commission, pressed Matjama on why he did not check on the inmates when he heard them crying. “As a responsible officer, you should have investigated why the inmates were crying. You did not because you knew they were being beaten by recruits, including yourself,” Mathaba asserted.

Matjama responded: “No, I could not check on the inmates because I was a recruit. We followed orders and did what we were instructed to do. I saw Ratšele, and I trusted that he would stop us if something was wrong. I thought the inmates were rebelling against the recruits, and that minimum force was being applied.”

Mathaba further questioned Matjama, suggesting that he knew force was being used against the inmates. Matjama maintained that he believed the inmates were being rebellious, which led to the use of force.

He also mentioned that he could not remember the recruits he was working with on that day. The commission continues to hear testimonies, with more recruits expected to testify on the events surrounding the alleged assaults on inmates. The inquiry is part of an ongoing investigation into the conduct of correctional officers during the search operation at the MCCI.