Maseru-The Trainer, who led the search team at Maseru Central Correctional Institution (MCCI) was by himself and could not control the recruits as there were many of them.
This was said by Correctional Officer Leboneng Moqecho when giving evidence before the Commission of Inquiry on the escape of inmates, on the search exercise that was conducted at MCCI on December 22, 2023 which resulted in the assault of inmates, leaving one paralysed.
Moqecho said he was shocked that Chief Officer Ratšele, who led the search, was operating alone as no Senior Officers from MCCI were apportioned to assist him.
“I do not know if this is how it is intended to be but recruits are not permitted to work together with Officers who are not members of staff for the Correctional Service Training School” he said.
Moqecho said he considers the recruits ended up beatinginmates as they were mindful that there was not enough management, demonstrating that he was not surprised when Chief Officer Ratšele was not confident on who he assigned where for the search.
He therefore pleaded to the Commission to be merciful if it decides to discipline recruits but make conclusions starting from the top as the recruits carry out their duty under supervision from senior officers.
“We are always put in command through the blowing of a whistle and if it was blown when things got out of control, we could have stopped the search instantly” he stressed, saying they put accountability on those who were given the responsibility to lead the search.
Meanwhile a number of witnesses revealed that Chief Officer Ratšele was seen gathering sticks from Recruits which they used to beat inmates and that he was failing to control them as they were many. The recruits are continuing to testify before the Commission on the events of December 22, last year.
