…As inmates are caught in drug trafficking scheme
Kabelo Masoabi
THREE inmates at the Lesotho Correctional Services (LCS) facilities in Hlotse have been implicated in an alleged drug trafficking operation within the prison.
Relebohile Sejakane (30) and Tšolo Ntsobo (53) appeared before Magistrate Mpotla Koaesa, at the Leribe Magistrate’s Court this week, charged with illegal possession and trafficking of marijuana. A third suspect, who was arrested together with them, has since turned state witness.
According to the charge sheet, Sejakane was allegedly found selling, transporting and distributing marijuana within the prison premises on 17 October 2025, in contravention of the laws and regulations governing LCS facilities. Marijuana was reportedly discovered in his possession and inside his cell.
Reading the charge, Magistrate Koaesa stated: “Unauthorised chemicals, marijuana in this case, were found in your possession and in your cell. You failed to produce any legal document permitting you to trade in such a chemical. Hence, you stand accused today.”
Sejakane was informed of his right to legal representation, including the option to access legal aid, as well as his right to apply for bail.
He told the court that he was unable to secure a lawyer because prison authorities had barred him from receiving visitors as punishment for possessing drugs.
He appealed to the court to order LCS to lift the restriction so that he could seek legal assistance through visiting family members.
He further indicated that applying for bail would be unnecessary as he is already in custody awaiting trial in a separate murder case. Mr Sejakane also expressed concern that the third accused was not present in court, stating that the three inmates had been arrested together. The prosecution informed him that the third suspect had turned state witness.
Ntsobo, the second accused, faces similar charges of attempting to illegally trade and deliver marijuana within the facility. The drugs were also allegedly found in his cell.
He was likewise advised of his right to legal representation and bail, but he also stated that bail was unnecessary as he is already in custody on another matter. Unlike Sejakane, he told the court that he is still permitted to receive visitors.
Magistrate Koaesa postponed the matter to 27 January 2026 for the setting of a hearing date.
Sejakane
The first accused, Sejakane, who hails from Ha Seshephe in Leribe, is not new to the courts at the Tšifa-li-Mali complex. He is currently facing a murder charge dating back to 2017, in which he and the late Letsika Molato allegedly kidnapped and killed Letsatsi Maqhachela, a 4+1 taxi driver, at Ha Mokotjo in Leribe.
Court documents allege that the deceased was strangled and his body dumped in a drainage channel somewhere in Tšehlanyane, Leribe, after which the suspects allegedly sold the vehicle he was employed to drive for M16 000.
During a previous High Court appearance on 24 November 2025, Sejakane lodged a complaint before Justice ’Makampong Mokhoro in the High Court, alleging discrimination and mistreatment by LCS wardens at the Hlotse facility.
He claimed that he was not served the same meals as other detainees but, instead, only received papa and soft porridge. He claimed he was denied a prescribed special diet for his illness, and was barred from receiving visitors. The restrictions were imposed after he was involved in a fight with two other inmates, he said.
The correctional officers escorting him to court denied knowledge of the alleged mistreatment. Justice Mokhoro ordered Sejakane’s lawyer to investigate the claims and submit a detailed report to the court.
Prison Corruption
Hlotse prison is not the only facility facing challenges related to contraband.
A report of the Commission of Inquiry into the escape of inmates from the Maseru Central Correctional Institution (May 2025) revealed systemic shortcomings in search procedures across Lesotho’s prisons.
Evidence presented to the Commission indicated that inmates are not consistently searched upon returning from work assignments, while correctional officers are not subjected to searches at all. The report further established that a significant proportion of contraband is smuggled into correctional facilities by correctional officers themselves.
To prevent inmates or officers from smuggling contraband, the report recommended that facilities extend searches to officers upon entry and procure screening devices such as walk-through metal detectors or handheld metal detectors.
Another LCS Scandal
Just a fortnight ago, the Lesotho Correctional Service (LCS) once again shocked the nation when it emerged that three inmates at the Maseru Central Correctional Institution (MCCI) had allegedly been poisoned, resulting in the death of one of them.
MCCI is Lesotho’s principal correctional facility, where maximum security is expected.
However, the poisoning incident raised serious concerns, particularly following allegations that there are no visitor records for the day the incident reportedly occurred.
The deceased has been identified as Mpho Neo Taelo (26) of Ha Ralejoe, Nazareth. The two surviving inmates, Mohau Ramookho, also of Ha Ralejoe, and another inmate whose identity has not been disclosed, recovered after being hospitalised and were later returned to their cells.
LCS spokesperson, Assistant Superintendent Pheko Ntobane, said that the inmates were poisoned after consuming instant porridge allegedly brought in by a visitor on 31 December 2025.
However, a source who spoke on condition of anonymity, disputed this version of events, noting that prison records do not indicate that the three inmates received any visitors on that day.