Maseru, Sept.04 — Some recruits are beginning to admit that they assaulted inmates during the search exercise that was conducted at Maseru Central Correctional Institution (MCCI) on December 22, 2023.
This, after the majority of those who testified earlier before the Commission of Inquiry on the escape of inmates, denied that they assaulted inmates during the search exercise.
One Correctional Officer, Malefane Sepiriti told the Commission in his testimony that he was grateful to Correctional Officer Makintane who had courage to reveal the truth before the Commission as everyone was scared to do so.
“All recruits assaulted the inmates” he said, indicating that about 15 recruits who testified first, before the Commission, might have denied assaulting the inmates as they did not have courage and were also scared.
He thanked an inmate by the name of Litekanyo Nyakane who advised the recruits to tell the truth before the Commission, while they still can.
Officer Sepiriti further disclosed that although he protected some inmates when they were being assaulted, he did that indirectly as he knew it was a deadly sin to protect them directly.
However he accepted that he failed to fulfill his obligation of protecting the inmates when they were being assaulted.
Meanwhile, the recruits are continuing to testify before the Commission and some still insist their superiors heard cries of inmates when they passed by to punishment cells in block C during the search.
Ends
