Maseru, July 19 — Some Lesotho Correctional Service (LCS) Officers, who injured an inmate, Seboka Motumi after re-capturing him are continuing to testify before the Commission.
Mr. Motumi is one of the inmates who escaped from Maseru Central Correctional Institution (MCCI) on December 21 last year. It is alleged that he was shot two times on the legs when resisting to be re-captured at Ha Ramabanta.
When testifying before the Commission Of Inquiry on the escape of inmates, Superintendent Ts’epo Tsunyane, who led the search party on December 22 said he made the warning shots three times while Motumi was fleeing, saying he was the only one who was in possession of side arm (9 mm pistol) while six other officers were carrying rifles.
He said Motumi ran for a long time amid dust caused by firearms, saying he believes he was not shot twice as he claimed, he could not have been able to run or walk thus must have been shot while hiding.
He indicated that he saw an open wound on Motumi’s ankle due to gunshot and was covered with blood, saying the wound was not that bad and severe bleeding might have been caused by alcohol he consumed.
He said after re-capturing him, he took him to the nearest hospital and the doctor said he lost a lot of blood.
He further said he then took the inmate to MCCI after seeing the doctor and handed him over to MCCI Commanding Officer Assistant Commissioner Manaka and Senior Superintendent Mahlelebe.
Meanwhile Correctional Officers Moloantoa Lebitsa, Lefelo Borotho and Poloko Lichaba also testified before the Commission as they formed part of the two search parties that were formed to search for Motumi and others who were in the search party are due to testify.
Mr. Motumi earlier testified before the Commission bandaged on both legs where he sustained wounds and told the Commission that he was shot two times when re-captured.
The Commission also watched the footage which showed how Motumi was assaulted by LCS officers in the Seagent Office upon his arrival at MCCI.
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