Maseru, Oct. 10 — Lesotho Correctional Service (LCS) has reminded members of the public that its rehabilitation programmes, including formal education, are available only to convicted inmates not those awaiting trial or held on remand.
This was stated by LCS Public Relations Officer Superintendent Pheko Ntobane, following allegations circulating on social media concerning a reported misunderstanding between LCS staff at Mokhotlong Correctional Institution and an inmate visitor, whereby the latter reportedly complained that an inmate had been denied access to the aforementioned programmes.
Superintendent Ntobane explained that the programmes are not extended to remand inmates because the law presumes them innocent until proven guilty by courts of law thus such inmates could be released or granted bail at any time.
“The inmate in question is one of those held on remand and it is not true that he has been denied the right to education, rather, this is due to the laws and policies governing LCS,” he said, reiterating that educational programmes are offered exclusively to convicted inmates.
He further stated that LCS encourages family members and friends to visit inmates but emphasised that such visits are regulated by the laws and policies governing the Service to ensure security.He also stressed that the safety of inmates, staff and the general public remain a top priority, adding that the Service takes appropriate action whenever security is compromised.
He therefore assured the public that LCS respects human rights and does not condone any form of abuse.LCS was established with the objective to protect society by providing reasonable, safe, secure, orderly, humane custody and control of offenders in accordance to universally acceptable Human Rights Standards, by actively encouraging and assisting them in their Rehabilitation, Reformation and social Reintegration into the society as Law abiding citizens, capable of living industrious live use.
Ends/LP
