Lesotho Correctional Officers Prepare for Legal Battle Over Unfulfilled Salary Adjustments

Lesotho Correctional Service (LCS) officers are preparing to head back to court in a renewed legal fight to compel the government to implement a court-ordered standardised salary structure that would align their pay with that of other security agencies in the country. This comes amid growing frustration and a deepening sense of injustice among junior and middle-ranking officers.

The officers are demanding the enforcement of a 2023 High Court ruling that directed the government to correct longstanding salary disparities between LCS officers and their counterparts in the Lesotho Mounted Police Service (LMPS) and other security agencies, such as the Lesotho Defence Force (LDF) and the National Security Service (NSS).

Their battle for wage parity dates back to 2014. Although their initial efforts were unsuccessful, momentum picked up after the government published a gazette in September 2019, which approved a standardised salary structure across all security agencies. However, the gazette has yet to be implemented, and most LCS officers remain on stagnant wages.

Currently, junior LCS officers earn a net salary of about M7,000—around M3,000 less than their police counterparts, who earn M10,000. This disparity has not only led to morale issues but has also fuelled anger among correctional officers who believe their work is equally vital to national security and public safety.

While three LCS officers were successful in their 2023 court application and received backdated payments in April this year—reportedly up to M400,000 each—the rest of the approximately 1,800 correctional officers have been left behind. This has triggered widespread dissatisfaction and prompted calls for collective legal action.

LCS spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner Pheko Ntobane, confirmed that only the three officers cited in the court application were paid the salary increments, leaving the rest without redress. He acknowledged the government’s failure to implement the 2019 gazette and warned that continued delays would only increase the financial burden.

Adding to the controversy are claims that senior LCS management had their own salaries adjusted in line with other security agencies but have remained silent on the issue affecting their subordinates. Officers allege that their superiors have chosen self-preservation over advocacy, deepening their sense of abandonment.

“The silence from our leaders has been deafening,” said one officer, who spoke on condition of anonymity. “They benefited from the adjustments and have chosen not to support us in our fight for what is right.”

Another officer said a legal team is preparing to file a new case in the High Court. “The court is our last resort. We have waited patiently, but we can no longer tolerate being treated as second-class professionals within the security sector.”

Officers also pointed to objections raised by LDF Commander, Lieutenant General Mojalefa Letsoela, who reportedly opposed the implementation of the standardised salary structure on the grounds that the army had not been consulted. However, LDF spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Sakeng Lekola denied knowledge of such claims.

The sense of isolation and injustice has only intensified with time. “We continue to go to work because we must, not because we feel motivated or appreciated,” said another officer. “We are constantly reminded that our role is important, but our salaries tell a different story.”

When contacted, Information Officer in the Ministry of Justice and Law, ’Malesaoana Mohale, said she was unaware of the issue and referred inquiries to the Ministries of Finance and Development Planning and Public Service. The Ministry of Public Service had not responded to questions at the time of publication.

With over M200 million now estimated to be owed in salary arrears dating back to 2019, the looming legal challenge may force the government to act. But for now, the majority of LCS officers remain caught in a long-standing pay dispute that continues to affect morale, performance, and trust in the system.

As the officers brace for their next legal battle, their demand is clear: implement the court ruling, honour the 2019 gazette, and deliver the justice they have fought for over the past decade.