PRISON OFFICERS TESTIFY BEFORE COMMISSION OF INQUIRY

At least six Prison Officers of the Central Prison appeared before the newly established Commission of Inquiry on Monday to give evidence on the escape of a convicted Prisoner, Phakiso Molise from Queen Elizabeth II hospital on August 7.The Officers are Assistant Prison Officer, Khoai Mahao, Senior Chief Officer Limpho Lebitsa, Senior Superintendent 'Mabatho Ramokhele, Superintendent Ntja Mpota, Senior Prison Officer Monyane Thahanyane and Senior Prison Officer, Martin 'Molaoa.

When testifying before the Commission, the first witness, Asst. Prison Officer, Mahao explained that on the morning of August 7, 2003 he and his other two colleagues, Thahanyane and 'Molaoa were informed by their superiors that they would escort Phakiso Molise and three other prisoners to Queen Elizabeth II hospital where they were to have their medical treatment. Ass. Prison Officer, Mahao explained that when the time arrived that morning for Phakiso Molise and other prisoners to be taken to the hospital, the prisoners were called out by  Senior Superintended Ramokhele who was the Gate-Keeper on duty that day and the normal procedure of searching the prisoners before they could go through the gate was carried out by Mahao and other Prison Officers who were at the gate that morning. Mahao showed that there was nothing that was discovered from the Prisoners during that search and Molise and other prisoners were escorted to the hospital.

He testified that at the hospital, he escorted one of the prisoners, Teboho Selete, who was going to have his wound dressed while his other colleague, Thahanyane escorted Phakiso Molise. When asked by the Commission whether his superiors ever informed him that Molise was a dangerous prisoner, Mahao responded that he was never told that Molise was a dangerous prisoner, he just learnt later that he was considered to be dangerous.

Asst. Prison Officer Mahao  also indicated that he did not know when the decision of taking Molise to Queen Elizabeth hospital was made, adding that he only knew on the August 6 that on the next day that he would be among other prison officers who would accompany Molise and other prisoners to the hospital.  The   Commission was adjourned on the same day and  will continue with Mahoa's testimony on Wednesday.

This was the first proceeding of this newly established Commission of inquiry, which is mandated by the Prime Minister Pakalitha Mosisili to investigate the escape of the Convicted Prisoner Phakiso Molise from Queen II hospital and the general management and administration of Lesotho Prison Services.

The Commission is chaired by Mr. Justin Colin Stewart White, and it has other two members, who are Mrs. 'Mathato Morojele and Mr. Khethang Mafatlane. The Commission is assisted in its functions by Chief Attorney Mrs. Lindiwe Maqutu-Moorosi.

14 October 2003