Maseru, Feb. 04 — All inmates from Quthing Correctional Institution who have been sentenced were on Saturday moved to Mohale’s Hoek Correctional Institution for safety of their lives.
This was disclosed by Lesotho Correctional Service Spokesperson Assistant Commissioner, Pheko Ntobane in an interview with the Agency, saying they were moved because the prison buildings have dilapidated thus not habitable.
He clarified that only inmates who are awaiting trial were left in Quthing institution and will also be moved once they are sentenced.
Asked if Mohale’s Hoek institution will not be congested, he admitted that it will be congested but added that there was nothing they could do because they could not compromise the safety of inmates.
He also said inmates were moved together with their resources such as mattresses, blankets and food amongst others.
Also interviewed was Crime Prevention, Rehabilitation and Reintegration of Ex Offenders (CRROA) Executive Director, Mr. Nkalimeng Mothobi who commended LCS for moving inmates for their own safety.
He added that leaving those awaiting trial behind was also a good move so that they could always be available when needed at courts of law.
Meanwhile, reports from LCS indicate that at least new 106 inmates have been reported in all the correctional institutions countrywide since January 22 to 26.
Out of this number, nine have already been convicted while 97 are awaiting trial in the correctional institutions.
