Recent testimonies before the Commission of Inquiry into the escape of inmates at the Maseru Central Correctional Institution (MCCI) have unveiled alarming allegations of conspiracy involving recruits and inmates against the facility’s management. Assistant Commissioner Manaka disclosed these allegations while cross-examining Correctional Officer Khosi Hlalele, raising concerns about the integrity of the institution’s leadership amid claims of misconduct.
During the inquiry, several witnesses, including Hlalele, testified that Manaka and two other superiors allegedly ignored cries from inmates who were reportedly being assaulted by recruits during a search exercise in Block C. This troubling narrative has prompted further investigation into the motivations behind the actions of both the recruits and the inmates.
Assistant Commissioner Manaka indicated that he had received information suggesting that certain officers were collaborating with individuals from higher ranks to frame MCCI management. Such conspiracies, he argued, could serve to shield rogue officers from accountability, particularly regarding their treatment of inmates.
In a pointed exchange, Manaka inquired of Hlalele whether he was aware of tobacco and documents purportedly found in his office, which were allegedly acquired by recruits for the benefit of inmates. Hlalele denied any knowledge of such activities, distancing himself from the alleged conspiracy.
The Commission’s Chairperson, Justice Realeboha Mathaba, expressed serious concern over the apparent attempts to thwart justice, noting that this is not the first time such allegations have surfaced. In previous hearings, it was revealed that some officers had offered to procure tobacco for inmates in exchange for their silence during the inquiry. This pattern of behavior raises troubling questions about the ethical conduct of certain members within the correctional facility.
Justice Mathaba insisted on the need for further testimony from Assistant Commissioner Manaka, emphasizing that the Commission seeks to uncover the truth behind these serious allegations. The situation has become increasingly complex as several officers, including Manaka, Senior Superintendent Mahlelebe, and Assistant Commissioner Nthako, have been implicated by both recruits and inmates concerning the cries of those allegedly assaulted.
The unfolding events at MCCI highlight significant issues within the correctional system, calling for a thorough examination of the conduct of its officers and the treatment of inmates. As the Commission continues its inquiry, it remains to be seen how these revelations will impact the future of the institution and the accountability of those in positions of power. The necessity for transparency and integrity in the correctional system has never been more crucial, as the implications of these conspiracies threaten to undermine public confidence in the justice system as a whole.
