Lesotho Correctional Service Officers Call for Urgent Review of Remuneration and Benefits

The remuneration and benefits of Lesotho Correctional Service (LCS) officers require urgent attention, according to the Commission of Inquiry investigating the escape of inmates from Maseru Central Correctional Institution (MCCI) on December 21, 2023. The Commission’s report highlights that officers feel undervalued, citing salary disparities and unequal treatment compared to other security agencies.

The inquiry reviewed incidents following the inmate escape, including a search exercise on December 22, 2023, during which reports of assault on inmates surfaced. The Commission found a widespread perception among LCS officers that they are discriminated against and not paid salaries comparable to counterparts in the Lesotho Defence Force, Lesotho Mounted Police Service, and National Security Service.

Historically, officers across these agencies were paid equally until 2012. Since then, leaders in the Army and Police have received higher salaries than their counterparts in the LCS and NSS. The Commission noted that Cabinet addressed the disparity in 2019, approving harmonisation of security agency salaries to be implemented from September 1, 2019. However, a Savingram issued by the Government Secretary on September 10, 2019, effectively put the decision on hold, and the harmonisation was never carried out.

The report criticises the government for raising LCS officers’ expectations in 2019 without delivering on the promise, warning that failure to resolve the issue reinforces perceptions of bias and fuels dissatisfaction within the service. The Commission recommended that the government urgently address the matter, as ignoring it could worsen morale and operational effectiveness.

Minister of Law and Justice, Mr. Richard Ramoeletsi, stated that while the National Assembly has yet to debate the Commission’s report, the Ministry will prepare measures to implement its recommendations. The report was tabled in the National Assembly a few weeks ago and is expected to guide discussions on improving conditions for LCS officers.

Addressing remuneration disparities is seen as a critical step in strengthening the Lesotho Correctional Service, ensuring fairness across security agencies, and maintaining discipline and morale among officers who play a key role in national security.