Maseru, Aug. 20 — Although the three Lesotho Correctional Service (LCS) Senior Officers admitted being in Block C during the search exercise, they denied seeing the recruits assaulting inmates as they passed by.
This emerged when the Officer in charge of Maseru Central Correctional Institution (MCCI) Assistant Commissioner Tsoto Manaka, his second in charge Senior Superintendent Mahlelebe and Correctional Service Training School (CSTS) Commander Assistant Commissioner Nthako cross examined one of the recruits, who is now Correctional Officer Teboho Mafomekoane before the Commission of Inquiry on the escape of inmates.
Officer Mafomekoane disclosed earlier before the Commission in his testimony that the trio heard inmates crying and saw as they passed by when inmates were being assaulted by recruits in block C during the search exercise that was conducted at MCCI on December 22, 2023.
Assistant Commissioner Manaka said Mafomekoane was falsely implicating him and asked him if it would be possible for any recruit to have the audacity to assault inmates in the presence of Senior Officers.
” I believe recruits assaulted inmates immediately after we left as such was not happening when we passed by ” he said.
Assistant Commissioner Nthako also put to Mafomekoane that he did not see the recruits assaulting inmates as Mafomekoane said he did not see when inmates were assaulted.
On the other hand, Senior Superintendent Mahlelebe also said Mafomekoane was falsely implicating him by saying inmates were crying and assaulted as they passed by in Block C.
However Mafomekoane said he realised that nobody wants to take responsibility for the assault of inmates, including senior officers.
” Today I have learned that it is every man for himself but I am ashamed that I’m disagreeing with my superiors on this matter yet I am a junior officer” he said.
He also said it was surprising that recruits were not punished by their superiors for assaulting inmates yet they were often punished for minor things while still as CSTS.
Meanwhile, the Agency has learnt that not only Mafomekoane said the trio heard and were aware that inmates were being assaulted during the search as they passed by in block C as other inmates who testified earlier also said that before the Commission.
The recruits are continuing to testify before the Commission, on the search exercise that was conducted at MCCI on December 22 which resulted in assault of inmates, leaving one paralysed.
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