Maseru-Other witnesses that includes Lesotho Correctional Service (LCS) Officers are determined to prove that Maseru Central Correctional Institution (MCCI) Superiors arrived at block C and just passed by in the midst of cries from inmates when they were being assaulted by recruits.
The verification was made by Seargent Nkhapetla Nkhapetla and Correctional Officer Kabelo Liholo, before the Commission of Inquiry on the escape of inmates, after some prisoners earlier told the Commission that MCCI superiors did not say anything when they were being assaulted.
Seargent Nkhapetla said Assistant Commissioner Manaka, Senior Superintendent Mahlelebe and Assistant Commissioner Nthako, who are directives of Correctional Service Training School (CSTS) just passed when inmates were being beaten.
He said he tried as much as he could to stop the recruits from assaulting the inmates during the search exercise that was conducted at MCCI on December 22 last year.
Nkhapetla pointed out that he instantly informed Chief Officer Ratšele who led the search team when he recognized that recruits were brutally assaulting inmates, saying Ratšele withdrew the sticks from recruits who used them to assault the inmates.
In addition, he stated that he even informed the superintendent who guaranteed to assist him in preventing recruits from assaulting inmates, saying he lost hope when he saw the superiors passing in the midst of cries.
“It came to my attention that I could be stopping what I am not supposed to stop,” he said.
Nevertheless, Officer Liholo, who was in charge of keys for block C, was walking with the above mentioned seniorswhen they were going to punishment cell said it is impossible that the trio did not see recruits assaulting inmates as the latter were also crying.
“I do not believe the superiors missed those cries,” he said, showing that he did not hear them say anything regarding that.
In the meantime, earlier when cross examining Chief Officer Ratšele, Senior Superintendent Mahlelebe denied hearing inmates cry when they were being beaten.
