PM ESTABLISHES COMMISSION OF INQUIRY TO INVESTIGATE MOLISE'S ESCAPE

The Prime Minister, Pakalitha Mosisili has established a Commission of Inquiry, which will inquire into the general management and administration of Lesotho Prison Service with special reference to the escape of convicted Prisoner, Phakiso Molise from Queen Elizabeth II hospital on 7th August 2003.This was disclosed by the Deputy Director of Prisons Service department, Mr. Malefetsane Masole.

He showed that this commission is composed of a Chairman, who is Mr. Justice Colin Stewart White, a retired South African Judge and two members, Mrs. 'Mathato Thikhoi Morojele, Dean of Students' Affairs at the National University of Lesotho (NUL) and Mr. Simon Khethang Mafatlane who is also a retired Prison Officer.

The main duties of this Commission of Inquiry are to investigate the general treatment of prisoners in Lesotho's Prisons, especially the CentralPrison (Maseru) and the Juveniles in the Juvenile Training Centre. It will also analyse and scrutinise the role played by prison staff and prison management in the transference of prisoners to hospitals and other institutions on temporary visits or for longer periods with special emphasis on security considerations and the public interest.

The commission will also examine in detail and establish the circumstances, which led to the escape of convicted prisoner Phakiso Molise from Queen II hospital on August 7, 2003 and to establish the sequence of such escape and the background of the events, which led to his escape. Most importantly the commission will establish the identity of any persons who, by their acts of omission or commission or negligence, may have facilitated or contributed to the escape of the convicted prisoner Phakiso Molise and to make recommendations regarding the institution of appropriate legal action against them.

The commission is expected to start its functions on Monday next week and it shall prepare a written report which will be submitted to the Prime Minister within three weeks' time. In the performance of its functions, the Commission shall be assisted by the Chief Attorney, Mrs. Lindiwe Maqutu-Moorosi. The proceedings of the commission shall be open to the public.

10 October 2003