Maseru, June. 21 – Lesotho Correctional Service (LCS) Sergeant Lekhetho Raboshabane publicly apologised to the family and the entire nation for the death of inmate Bokang Tsoako during recapturing as well as torture of others.
He said this under oath, after his Counsel appealed to the Commission to grant the Sergeant chance to help Commission get to truth of what happened during assault and torture of inmates after December 22, 2023 events.
“I personally used a stick to beat Tsoako moderately but not to harm him as such is part of our culture at the institution when things get out of control”.
During training, Sergeant Raboshabane stipulated Recruits are poked by Instructors otherwise “Re tla o Thekha” in line with their jargon, saying this is done just to ensure officers take orders accordingly.
On record, he further told the Commission that on the day of inmates escape, there was meant to be a party at Maseru Central Correctional Institution (MCCI), whereby all at the facility (officers) ate meat and even drank beer hence many officers seen in the footage are holding bottles.
It is not true that officers were prohibited to drink beer on that day as according to the Sergeant, indicating more officers by name who can come and testify before the Commission in this regard.
However, he apologised to Basotho and Tsoako’s family for this loss, indicating further that the Commission should also hold even management liable as upon arrival of inmates who escaped, Seniors ought to have cleared the facility to ensure violence does not happen.
In this way, the Chairperson of the Commission, Justice Realeboha Mathaba appreciated the Sergeant for his willingness to assist the Commission, urging him to remember he is under oath and as such should remain truthful and not paint anyone in this instance.
Ends
