The Crime Prevention Rehabilitation and Reintegration of Ex-Offenders Association (CRROA) has expressed deep disappointment in the Lesotho Correctional Service (LCS) following the tragic killing of an inmate by another inside a correctional facility on Tuesday.
In a statement, CRROA Executive Director, Mr. Nkalimeng Mothobi, criticized the LCS for failing to uphold its duty of ensuring the safety and protection of inmates. He said the incident highlights significant lapses in the responsibilities of Correctional Officers.
Lapses in Security
Mr. Mothobi specifically pointed out the LCS’s decision to suspend general cell searches as a contributing factor to the lack of security within correctional facilities. “The fact that the LCS has suspended general searches in cells is a clear indication that they are not fulfilling their responsibilities as expected,” Mothobi said in an interview.
General searches are critical in preventing contraband and weapons from entering cells and ensuring the safety of inmates and staff. Suspending these searches, he argued, creates an environment where violence and other criminal activities are more likely to occur.
Call for Accountability
The CRROA Executive Director also criticized the response of Correctional Officers, accusing them of neglecting their duties. He emphasized that the Commission of Inquiry, which was established to ensure accountability within the correctional system, is not intended to intimidate officers but rather to ensure they operate lawfully and effectively.
“The Commission of Inquiry was set up to ensure that Correctional Officers carry out their duties properly and in line with the law. It is not there to instill fear in them. Neglecting their work under the pretext of fear or oversight is unacceptable,” Mothobi stated.
Urgent Reforms Needed
CRROA has called for immediate reforms and stricter oversight within the LCS to prevent such incidents in the future. The association urged the LCS to reinstate general searches and take proactive measures to improve the safety and welfare of inmates.
The fatal incident has sparked widespread concern and highlighted the urgent need for a more effective and accountable correctional system in Lesotho. Stakeholders are now calling for a comprehensive review of security protocols and staff training to address the issues plaguing correctional facilities.
A Plea for Action
Mr. Mothobi concluded by urging the LCS to prioritize the protection of inmates and fulfill its duty to rehabilitate rather than expose them to further harm. “Correctional facilities should be places of safety and reform, not violence and neglect,” he said.
The incident has reignited debates about the state of Lesotho’s correctional system and the need for structural and operational improvements to ensure the safety and rehabilitation of all inmates.
