Challenges facing correctional facilities in the democratic era include respecting the basic human rights of prisoners and turning what were initially prisons into rehabilitation centres. Staff therefore  need appropriate skills.

Prisoners need to be rehabilitated properly to make them not return to prisons again but be equipped with the necessary skills that will assist them to be productive and never commit crime, the Minister of Justice, Human Rights and Rehabilitation, and of Law and Constitutional Affairs, Mr. Refiloe Masemene said at a passing out parade at the Lesotho Correctional Services (LCS) headquarters in Maseru on May 6.

Mr Masemene called for the introduction of restorative justice programmes, where prisoners would be allowed to do community service instead of jail sentences, as well as amnesty and parole to reduce congestion in prisons.

Correctional Services Commissioner, Mr. Mojalefa Thulo revealed that plans are afoot to renovate the Central Prison.

Awards for discipline and leadership qualities were given to five trainees. Out of the 75 graduants of the six months of training, 20 were women.

09 May 2005