LMPS faces M3m torture lawsuit

TEBOHO LEBESA

MASERU – Mosa Motaung, a Berea man who was in September last year tortured and later thrown off from a speeding police vehicle, sustaining permanent injuries and disfigurement, demands over M3 million in compensation from the police. Motaung, from Ha Motjoka, was arrested by members of the Lesotho Mounted Police Service (LMPS) and Lesotho Defence Force on suspicion of illegal possession of a firearm.

He was then subjected to inhuman treatment, severe torture and degrading behavior by his captors at the LMPS Special Operations Unit at Ha Mabote for several days, according to his legal representatives Makhera Elliots Chambers.

In a February 11 letter from the lawyers to the Commissioner of Police, Borotho Matsoso, Motaung claims M500 000 for injuries he sustained, M1 500 000 for pain and suffering, M20 000 for current and future medical expenses, M250 000 for loss of insulting and humiliating treatment and M750 000 in general damages.

“You are expected to pay these amounts as claimed within 14 days of receipt of this letter, failing which legal proceedings will be instituted against yourself and you will be liable for the payment of costs of litigation,” reads the lawyers letter in part.

The lawyers say Motaung was driven in a bakkie by his captors and left alone on the back of the vehicle while his hands and feet were tied up tightly with the van driven at a very high speed.

Due to the unevenness of the road, the nature of the car and its speed, the lawyers further claim that Motaung was thrown off the bakkie and suffered severe injuries that led to permanent damage and disfigurement of his body.

“All this was intentionally caused by the members of the LMPS and officers of the LDF,” the letter continues.

Unconfirmed reports suggested no firearm was found on Motaung’s person following his arrest, fuelling widespread criticism of members of the security agencies for brutality and disregard for the rule of law.