…as institution confirms officers clashed at Maseru Open Camp
Ithabeleng Qhasho
THE Lesotho Correctional Service (LCS) is investigating allegations that a male officer assaulted a female colleague following a clash at the Maseru Open Camp in Ha Leqele, commonly known as Lepper.
The LCS has confirmed that a confrontation occurred, saying investigations are underway and that legal and disciplinary action will be taken against anyone found guilty of wrongdoing.
In a statement relesed on Friday, LCS spokesperson Superintendent Pheko Ntobane said LCS began investigating the matter on 1 October 2026, after receiving an inquiry from a journalist seeking confirmation of reports that a male officer had assaulted his female colleague.
Although the matter had not formally been reported to the Office of the Chief of Corrections at the time, the LCS said it immediately contacted the camp’s management to establish what had happened.
“We found that such a clash had indeed occurred, and its cause was established,” the statement reads.
The LCS did not disclose the circumstances surrounding the altercation or specify the nature of the alleged assault.
However, it strongly condemned all forms of abuse within its facilities, emphasising that misconduct by correctional officers would not be tolerated.
“The LCS is a legally established department and a security institution; therefore, we neither agree with nor tolerate abuse of any kind, whether personal, gender-based, discriminatory or physical assault.
“Extensive investigations are continuing expeditiously, and once they are completed, strong legal and disciplinary measures will be taken against anyone found guilty in this matter.”
The LCS also said it was committed to protecting the rights of officers, inmates and members of the public, and would cooperate with relevant justice institutions, including the Lesotho Mounted Police Service, to ensure that justice was served.
Meanwhile, Thapelo Mashaile, who is alleged to have assaulted his colleague, Mphonyane Thabakholo, told Mohale FM that he could not discuss the matter on air because the LCS Commissioner, Matingoe Phamotse, had already addressed the matter.
Mr Mashaile also said the matter was being investigated by the police and that they should be allowed to carry out their work.
Sources claim that Mr Mashaile slapped her following a misunderstanding between the two.
When contacted by Mohale FM, Ms Thabakholo declined to provide further details, saying her lawyer had advised her not to speak to the media while the matter was ongoing.
LCS defends restrictions on inmate visits
In a separate matter, the LCS has defended its handling of a dispute involving a visitor and correctional officers at Mokhotlong Correctional Facility, following allegations that an inmate had been denied access to education and that a visitor had been barred from seeing him.
The LCS dismissed claims that the inmate had been denied the right to education, explaining that he was awaiting trial and had not been convicted.
According to the LCS, inmates awaiting trial are not enrolled in its formal education and rehabilitation programmes because they are presumed innocent until proven guilty and may be released on bail or otherwise discharged before their cases are concluded.
“Remand inmates do not qualify for formal education programmes. This is because the law considers them innocent until proven guilty by the courts, and they may be released or granted bail at any time,” Supt Ntobane said.
He explained that the programmes were intended for convicted inmates preparing for reintegration into society, with participation being voluntary.
On visitation, the LCS said relatives and friends were encouraged to visit inmates to maintain family relationships, but such visits remained subject to security requirements and institutional regulations.
Supt Ntobane said it had a responsibility to protect the security and rights of inmates, staff and members of the public, adding that restrictions could be imposed where institutional rules were breached or security was threatened.
In an interview with the Sunday Express on Friday, Supt Ntobane said visitors could be barred from correctional facilities if they were considered security threats, engaged in misconduct or had associations with inmates that raised security concerns.
Addressing the case of Makananelo Monatsi, who alleges that she has been banned from visiting the facility, Supt Ntobane said the LCS was entitled to restrict her access because she had allegedly failed to comply with its rules.
“We have spoken to her and asked her to stop taking content after visiting LCS facilities. She continues to publish content about us that we believe does not present the truth, despite our discussions with her. She has also filmed our facilities and made statements about matters on which she does not have sufficient information,” he said.
Supt Ntobane also disputed claims attributed to Ms Monatsi that the LCS does not allow inmates to study while in prison, reiterating that the inmate at the centre of the controversy was awaiting trial and therefore did not qualify for the LCS’s formal education and rehabilitation programmes.
He further disputed the claim that other visitors had been allowed to see the inmate while Ms Monatsi alone had been denied access, saying she was the only visitor who had been banned.
On concerns about the inmate’s welfare, Supt Ntobane said inmates were provided with basic toiletries upon admission to correctional facilities.
While acknowledging that the LCS encouraged members of the public to support inmates through donations, he questioned the suggestion that the inmate’s welfare depended on assistance from Ms Monatsi.
“We also deal with vulnerable people, but in her case, she presents the situation as though the LCS would be unable to provide for the inmate if she did not offer assistance,” he said.
The LCS also reminded its officers that they were not permitted to discuss departmental matters publicly or with the media without management’s authorisation, including when raising grievances.
“Officers working in correctional institutions, as members of the country's security services, are not permitted to discuss matters concerning the department in the media or elsewhere without authorisation from management, even when they have complaints,” the statement reads.
“They are expected to follow the appropriate channels, which they are familiar with, when they have grievances or concerns.”
The LCS said it remained committed to upholding the fundamental human rights of officers, inmates and members of the public while maintaining security, discipline and accountability within correctional facilities.