Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Lesotho Times
Published on 2024-03-21 12:35:06
The Ombudsman, Tlotliso Polaki, has called for the investigation and prosecution of 114 Lesotho Correctional Service (LCS) officers for their involvement in the brutal assaults of 299 inmates and the death of another inmate in December of the previous year. The incidents occurred following a prison break by six felons, who were later re-arrested, leading to the death of one of them while in LCS custody. Polaki’s investigation revealed that the assaults and death were a result of torture by LCS officers.
In a press release titled “An Own Initiative Investigation Report into Allegations of Torture And Excessive Use Of Force On Inmates At The Maseru Central Correctional Institution On 22 December 2023: ‘No Justification For The Unjustifiable’,” Polaki emphasized the importance of treating inmates with respect and dignity, regardless of their crimes. The report detailed the severe beatings suffered by about 300 inmates, including members of the Lesotho Defence Force, during the night in question. One inmate died as a result of the torture, while another is permanently disabled.
The investigation uncovered that the assaults were premeditated and targeted at specific inmates, particularly members of the LDF. Most of the attacks occurred in areas without surveillance cameras, and many injured inmates were denied medical care following the assaults. Polaki condemned the actions of the LCS officers, stating that violence from correctional officers only leads to further violence from the inmates.
Polaki made several recommendations, including urging the Lesotho Mounted Police Service to investigate the death of the deceased inmate and prosecute those responsible. She also called for disciplinary action against LCS Commissioner, Mating Nkakala, and other officers involved in the assaults. The Director of Public Prosecutions was advised to take legal action against the officers who provided false testimony or withheld information during the investigation.
Additionally, Polaki identified specific officers who were responsible for the assaults in different blocks of the correctional facility and recommended that they be investigated and prosecuted accordingly. She emphasized the need for justice for the victims and stressed the importance of upholding human rights and modern trends in rehabilitation within correctional facilities.
In conclusion, Polaki urged for the implementation of her recommendations within six months to hold the responsible parties accountable and ensure the protection of vulnerable inmates in the future. The investigation shed light on the systemic issues within the LCS and highlighted the urgent need for reforms to prevent further abuses and human rights violations within the correctional system.
Read the original article on Lesotho Times
