Hopolang Mokhopi
TEN correctional officers charged with the murder of an inmate who allegedly attempted to escape from a correctional facility are expected to return to work after being granted bail by the High Court in Maseru.
Lesotho Correctional Service (LCS) spokesperson, Assistant Superintendent Pheko Ntobane, confirmed the development but said it was unclear exactly when the officers would resume duty, as some may take leave.
“They are considered innocent until proven guilty by courts of law,” Ass Supt Ntobane said in response to a question about why officers charged with such a serious crime should be allowed to return to work.
Justice Mafelile Ralebese granted them bail of M2000 each this week. The court ordered the officers to attend all remand hearings, stand trial until the matter is finalised, and refrain from interfering with Crown witnesses or police investigations. They must also report to Maseru Central Police Station on remand days.
The officers had appeared before the Maseru Magistrate’s Court last week, 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), Tšepo 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, unlawfully and intentionally assaulted Tsoako on or about 22 December 2023 at or near the LCS Central Offices in Maseru. The assault included hitting with sticks, kicking, slapping, and smashing his head against walls, inflicting severe injuries that ultimately led to his death.
Nine of the accused were represented pro deo by Advocate Poloko Mokobocho, while Mokiba was represented by Adv Rasekoai Thoahlane.
In their bail application, the defence argued that the accused are citizens domiciled in Lesotho and LCS employees, and therefore would not abscond.
The defence lawyers outlined individual accounts of the incident, asserting that their clients’ actions were limited or non-existent. For instance, some admitted to minor physical interventions to control Tsoako, while others denied any contact, stating they were merely present or attending a staff Christmas party.
The charges follow widespread allegations of torture after the December 2023 MCCI escape, prompting the government to establish a Commission of Inquiry. Chaired by High Court Judge Realeboha Mathaba and including former Deputy Prime Minister Kelebone Maope and former LCS Commissioner Mojalefa Thulo, the Commission recommended prosecuting officers allegedly involved in the torture of the 626 inmates.
On 21 December 2023, six inmates — Tsoako, Tumelo Mpopo, Bokang Molengoane, Seboka Motumi, Rethabile Tlali and Aumane Nkoale — escaped from MCCI. They were later recaptured in Maseru, Ramabanta, Qacha’s Nek, and Bloemfontein, South Africa. Tsoako, recaptured at Ha ’Mamochochoko Orphanage, was brutally assaulted upon return and later died from his injuries.
The Commission report, released in August 2025, detailed Tsoako’s final hours, stating he was assaulted while restrained, his pleas ignored, and officers continued beating him in the Sergeants’ Office. He was left critically injured, and although taken to Queen II Hospital, he arrived too late for assistance. Officers reportedly mocked him as he lay dying and delayed reporting his death to police, contravening the Inquest Proclamation of 1954.
The Commission concluded that LCS officials failed to report Tsoako’s death promptly and tampered with the crime scene, obstructing police investigations.
