Maseru, July 09 — Lack of finances, left one of the inmates unexamined by medical doctors after he was assaulted by Lesotho Correctional Service (LCS) Recruits.
An inmate, Mr. Phafa Rafats’e told the Commission Of Inquiry on the escape of inmates that he has still not been examined by the doctor after he was assaulted by LCS Recruits during the general search exercise that was conducted at Maseru Central Correctional Institution (MCCI) on December 22 last year because he does not have M1,500 for x-ray scan.
He indicated that he was taken to Queen II hospital after he was assaulted, and the doctor said he needs to go for a scan to find what might be the problem because he was unable to urinate freely due to back injury he sustained during the assault.
He said the doctor told him that kind of scan is unavailable at Queen II and Queen Mamohato Memorial hospitals but will find it at a private health facility and will cost him M1,500.
He added that the Doctor emphasised that he would not be able to see him again unless the scan was done.
Mr. Rafats’e said he told the nurse at MCCI clinic about what the doctor said and was told he should pay for the scan himself.
“I asked how come I pay for the scan yet I came to the facility healthy and injured by officers”he said, indicating that he insisted to see the station commander.
He said he went to see Senior Superintendent Leluma Mahlalebe and explained to him what the doctor said.
He said Senior Superintendent Mahlelebe told him that there are no funds to assist him but will ask for donations from organisations such as ex-offenders association, saying he even asked him if no one from home could assist him but told him they could not afford to pay that amount of money.
When cross examining the witness, Senior Superintendent Mahlelebe agreed with what Mr. Rafats’e said about him, clarifying that he is still trying his best to assist the inmate.
The Commission therefore told Senior Superintendent Mahlelebe that he would be called to give explanation before the Commission.
Ends
