Maseru- Lesotho Correctional Service (LCS) Human Resource (HR) Officer Itumeleng Makhetha said promotional positions within LCS are not politicallymotivated, so is skipping of the ranks. She mentioned this before the Commission of Inquiry on the escape of inmates after numerous witnesses alleged that some officers get promotions due to political parties.
Makhetha stated that she has never seen anyone skipping ranks since 2021, demonstrating that promotional positions from that of Assistant Superintendent to that of Deputy Commissioner are publicized, analyst by Senior Officers including the Principal Secretary and the Minister of Law and Justice. She further stated that after the analysis, candidates are shortlisted and interviews are conducted and paneled by representatives from Public Service, Ministry of Law, LCS Senior Officers and the HR Officer who takes minutes of such interviews.
“I believe the promotion of officers in these ranks is transparent based on the process carried out” she stressed, also approving that many Commissioners exchanged the Office before she arrived but was not sure if it was due to changing of new governments which were alleged to appoint new LCS Commissioners in the process. However, she made clear that promotions in lower ranks are usually done by LCS Commissioner in accordance with LCS Act of 2016.
“HR Office does not have any title role in positions of lower ranks as we are just told certain people have been promoted through the Commissioner’s Office” she added.Makhetha additionally emphasised that currently there is no policy or framework dealing with promotions hence it is the Commissioners privilege to promote people in lower ranks.
In the meantime several officers who gave evidenceearlier before the Commission alleged that the issue of new appointments and promotions of officers, which they believe is politically inspired has brought divisions within LCS and bitterness amongst some officers. The Commission, which commenced its work in May this year was established with the objective to amongst others, examine, appraise and evaluate the security measures within LCS, investigate on the instances around operations undertaken by members of LCS staff after the escape of inmates as well as to investigate and determine the circumstances that led to the use of force during the search operation.
Meanwhile, LCS Commissioner Mating Nkakala saidappointment of LCS Commissioner should be on the basis of excellence to promote stability within the Service. He raised this point before the Commission of Inquiry on the escape of inmates after he was called to clarify some of the issues which were raised by some Senior Officers in their testimonies such as unmanned maximum tower, reports, leadership, promotions and appointment of Commissioner amongst others.
Commissioner Nkakala said the appointment of the Commissioner should not be done directly as currently as things stand, anyone could be a Commissioner. He added that superiority should be considered when appointing the Commissioner, highlighting that one should also not be given the acting position of the Commissioner if he or she will not be confirmed.
“Even in other ranks, seniority should be considered because juniors usually become seniors even when they do not have necessary qualifications or experience” he strained. He also acknowledged that his appointment might had disrupted LCS as it was not transparent since he was the Assistant Commissioner when he was appointed thus skipped the position of Senior Assistant Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner.
“I was already not expecting full support from other Senior Officers even those who acted in my position due to some occurrences that happened along the way” he added. The Commissioner also explained some of the issues mentioned above.
