Africa-Press – Lesotho. The detainees at Mohale’s Hoek correctional institution had on Friday told the Minister of Justice, Law, Constitutional Affairs and Human Rights Professor Nqosa Mahao of their dire living conditions in the facility. One of the problems which the inmates stressed out is that of the poor nutrition. They claim to have been eating peas and beans “for a year and half,” mentioning that their
bodies need iron. “The doctors have told us that our bodies need bread and milk,” they told the Minister. “We are corpses due to lack of proper nutrition,” expressed one inmate adding that they do not even see clearly. Taking stock of their uniform, they said they are at the point where they even “fear” themselves. They said they wear their personal shoes which they came with upon
their incarceration. They further requested to have their cases reviewed. Coming down hard on Mafeteng and Quthing Magistrate Courts, the inmates said the two courts do not carry out
case review, leaving them to languish for longer periods behind bars. “We have a right to appeal,” they charged. The inmate said he has stayed for a long time without
legal aid assistance. “We want pro Deo [where legal fees supposedly incurred by the plaintiff are paid by the state] services,” one inmate requested. On one hand, an inmate lodged a request for the availability of equipment where they will be taught handwork. On the other hand, his counterpart threatened to backslide and said if his economic fortunes will
not improve upon release, he will return to the facility making an anecdote that he will not hesitate to steal the “extra” wheel when pressed hard financially.
Meanwhile, their claims for poor nutrition were substantiated by the facility’s Nursing Sister Lerato Khaleli. The Nursing Sister said she sees about 20 inmates per day.
She said most are anemic due to insufficient necessary nutrients. Khaleli also said she is administering the supplements to them. The Acting Commissioner of the Lesotho Correctional Service (LCS) Chabana Majara said the
Mohale’s Hoek institution was afforded M22 million, which will cover construction and fencing costs as it is undergoing construction work. Of the M22 million, M7 million was directed to the now defunct National Emergenc Command Center (NECC) towards the fight of the COVID-19, this is according to Majara. The Acting Commissioner said they want laws which will allow them to
sew their own uniforms and those of inmates. Professor Mahao affirmed to them that their grievances will receive attention, adding that some have been passed to the cabinet for approval and response.
On the alleged dragging of their court cases, he said that undermines the administration of justice. The Minister said both officers and inmates need to dress in a “dignified manner” alluding to the
state of their uniform which is worn out. . He highlighted that they want to phase out tendering processes within the correctional institutions, saying they
contribute to corruption practices. He pointed out that Lesotho is part of the international community to transform the correctional facilities to meet the
“required standards”.
“It is my resolve to work with the senior officers to improve your situation,” he promised. He concluded by urging them to utilize
the skills they would have acquired at the institution upon their release at the communities where they would be reintegrated at. Recently the Minister had received tractors from the Ministry of Agriculture and Food
Security, which are envisaged to address food security challenges in the correctional institutions. Senior Superintendent Tlaka Banyane in charge of the facility there said there is a
need for construction of the female correctional facility, adding that it is a challenge when they are remanded. The South Region Assistant Commissioner of Corrections (ACC) Teboho Masenkane said despite the
challenges facing the institution, they have fared well in keeping the pandemic at bay. There are 178 officers in Mohale’s Hoek Correctional facility manning 372 inmates.
Of this figure, 310 have been charged, seven are awaiting cases in the High Court, 41 are awaiting trial and 14 are murder cases. It houses detainees from Mafeteng, Mohale’s Hoek and Quthing districts.
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