MASERU-Ten officers from the Lesotho Correctional Service (LCS) have appeared before the Magistrate’s Court in Maseru charged with the murder of Bokang Tsoako, in a case that has drawn significant public attention and raised serious questions about conduct within correctional institutions.
The accused, Paseka Mpokothi (31), Palo John Posa (56), Matete Mahao (38), Ts’epo George (37), Saeaeea Ratsetse (45), Kutloisiso Nthonyane (50), Kamoho Masebale (34), Thabo Moiloa (39), Kholuoe Phasumane (43) and Mokiba Mokiba (44), stood before Magistrate Nkhethoa Molapo facing a single count of murder.
They are charged under Section 40(1) read with Section 40(2) of the Penal Code Act No. 6 of 2010, which defines and prescribes penalties for the offence of murder.
According to the charge sheet presented in court, the accused allegedly acted together and in furtherance of a common purpose on December 22, 2023, at the Lesotho Correctional Service central offices in Maseru.
It is alleged that they unlawfully and intentionally assaulted Bokang Tsoako by beating him with sticks, kicking him on his body, slapping him and inflicting serious physical injuries.
The prosecution contends that the injuries sustained during the alleged assault ultimately resulted in Tsoako’s death.
The specific circumstances surrounding the incident are expected to be examined in detail when the matter proceeds to the High Court. For now, the charges formally place the ten officers at the centre of a serious criminal case.
During their appearance, Magistrate Molapo informed the accused that the Magistrate’s Court does not have jurisdiction to grant bail in murder cases.
He advised them that any application for bail must be made before the High Court, which has the authority to consider such applications in serious offences.
The matter was postponed to March 3, 2026. The accused were remanded in custody pending further proceedings.
Following the court appearance, LCS spokesperson and Assistant Superintendent Pheko Ntobane clarified the status of the accused officers within the correctional service.
Ntobane stated that the accused remain officers of the Lesotho Correctional Service until proven guilty by a court of law.
“They remain officers of the LCS until proven guilty by the courts,” he said. “They will continue to receive their salaries.”
He emphasised the principle of presumption of innocence, noting that disciplinary or administrative measures must align with due process.
Ntobane further indicated that for security reasons, the accused will be held at the Mohale’s Hoek Correctional Service facility rather than in Maseru.
“They cannot be kept at Maseru Correctional Service where the incident allegedly took place,” he explained. “For security purposes, they will remain at Mohale’s Hoek.”
The decision, he said, was taken to ensure stability and prevent potential tension within the Maseru facility.
In this case, the prosecution will need to prove beyond reasonable doubt that the accused not only participated in the alleged assault but did so with a shared intention that led to Tsoako’s death.
If the common purpose is established, each of the accused could face equal criminal liability.
The case has sparked public debate about accountability within state institutions, particularly those tasked with enforcing discipline and maintaining order.
Correctional officers hold positions of authority and responsibility. Allegations that officers themselves may have engaged in unlawful violence have prompted calls for transparency and a thorough judicial process.
