Maseru, Aug. 01 — Maseru Central Correctional Institution (MCCI) Second in Charge says he is filled with remorse and shame for the assault of inmates who escaped.
This, Senior Superintendent (Snr.Spt.) Leluma Mahlelebe, who appears in the footage stepping on the inmate’s handcuffs, said before the Commission Of Inquiry on the escape of inmates, when testifying about his participation in the assault of an inmate after he was re-captured.
Snr. Spt. Mahlelebe said officers were frustrated, angry and confused when inmates escaped, especially when there was going to be a feast on the following day to celebrate victory that they ended the year without any problems.
He therefore emphasised that incidents that appear on the footage are shameful, saying the intention was not to hurt anybody but it was because people were frustrated and confused.
He added that although the inmates were assaulted after being re-captured, that is not allowed, saying it does not happen under normal circumstances.
Meanwhile, Snr. Spt. Mahlelebe was not the only MCCI Senior Officer who was identified on the footage when the two re-captured inmates were assaulted and all of them did not deny their participation.
At least six inmates escaped from MCCI on December 21, 2023 and one of them was assaulted to death by Lesotho Correctional Service Officers after being re-captured.
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