Hopolang Mokhopi
TEN Lesotho Correctional Service (LCS) officers, accused of torturing 626 inmates and causing the death of one inmate, have finally been charged and remanded in custody.
The officers appeared before the Maseru Magistrates Court this week, where they were charged with the murder of Bokang Tsoako, one of six inmates who escaped from Maseru Central Correctional Institution (MCCI) in December 2023.
The accused are Paseka Mpokothi (36), Palo Possa (56), Matete Mahao (36), Ts’epo George (37), Sacaeea Ratsetse (45), Kutloisiso Nthonyane (50), Kamohelo Masebole (34), Thabo Moiloa (39), Kholuoe Phasumane (43), and Mokiba Mokiba (44).
According to the charge sheet, the accused, acting individually or in concert and in furtherance of a common purpose, unlawfully and intentionally assaulted Tsoako on or about 22 December 2023 at or near the LCS Central Offices in Maseru.
The charge states that the officers assaulted Tsoako by hitting him with sticks, kicking him, slapping him, and smashing his head against walls, inflicting severe injuries that ultimately led to his death.
Maseru Magistrate Nkhethoa Molapo read the charges to the accused in Sesotho and, advised them of their constitutional rights, including the right to legal representation and to apply for bail.
“The charge you are facing is bailable before the High Court. You are advised to secure legal representation and apply for bail before the High Court,” Magistrate Molapo said.
Senior Crown Counsel, Keketso Motiki, requested that the matter be remanded to 3 March 2026 pending further directives from the Director of Public Prosecutions. The court granted the request.
The charges stem from widespread allegations of torture following the December 2023 prison escape at MCCI. In response, the government established a Commission of Inquiry to investigate the incidents and make recommendations.
The Commission, launched in April 2024, was chaired by High Court Judge Realeboha Mathaba, and included former Deputy Prime Minister Kelebone Maope (KC) and former LCS Commissioner Mojalefa Thulo. It recommended the prosecution of officers allegedly involved in the torture of 626 inmates.
On 21 December 2023, six inmates — Tumelo Mpopo, Bokang Molengoane, Seboka Motumi, Rethabile Tlali, Aumane Nkoale, and Bokang Tsoako — escaped from MCCI.
They were later tracked down and recaptured between December 2023 and January 2024 in Maseru, Ramabanta, Qacha’s Nek, and Bloemfontein in South Africa, before being returned to custody.
Tsoako was recaptured on 22 December 2023 at Ha ’Mamochochoko Orphanage in Maseru. Upon his return to MCCI, he was brutally assaulted and later died from his injuries.
The six escapees were part of a group of 626 inmates who were reportedly assaulted, some with planks embedded with nails — raising serious concerns about possible HIV transmission.
The Commission of Inquiry report, released in August 2025, gave a harrowing account of Tsoako’s final hours.
It found that Tsoako was assaulted while already restrained and under the full control of corrections officers. His pleas for forgiveness were ignored, and the violence began immediately upon his arrival at MCCI at around 15:09.
The report described how officers descended on him “like a swarm of bees” and continued beating him in the Sergeants’ Office even as he lay helpless on the floor. He was later left bleeding, with a protruding rib or backbone, and in critical condition.
Tsoako was eventually taken to Queen II Hospital, but arrived after hours and could not be assisted. Instead of proceeding directly to Tšepong Hospital, officers inexplicably returned him to MCCI, claiming they needed authorisation — a justification the Commission rejected.
Evidence before the Commission indicated that Tsoako died in a vehicle at MCCI while awaiting transfer to Tšepong. Witnesses testified that some officers mocked him as he lay dying and continued drinking alcohol nearby.
The Commission further found that Tsoako’s death was not immediately reported to the police, contrary to the requirements of the Inquest Proclamation of 1954. His death was only reported on 27 December 2023, five days later.
The Commission concluded that LCS officials committed an offence by failing to report the death promptly and by tampering with the crime scene, thereby undermining police investigations.
