An inmate at the Maseru Central Correctional Institute (MCCI) says he suffered severe injuries after he was assaulted by prison warder recruits during a search operation on December 22, 2023.
Mosephele Khechane (34) of Ha Maja in Maseru district recently told a Commission of Inquiry set up by the government early this year that only blood comes out whenever he feels the urge to urinate.
He now uses a catheter after he failed to pay for an X-ray for an operation due to lack of funds. A catheter is a tube that is inserted into the bladder, allowing the patient’s urine to drain freely.
Khechane is dependent on his unemployed single mother.
He said the assault left him with debilitating injuries that continue to plague him to this day.
“On the 27th December 2023, I was taken to Queen II after experiencing difficulty in urinating. The doctor recommended a scan before operating. It was supposed to be done at a private hospital but because my family did not have money, I couldn’t be operated on.
“On the 23rd January 2024 my situation became worse. This time urine could not come out at all, only blood did. I was taken back to Queen II Hospital after a directive from the magistrate and the doctor connected a urinary tube to make the process possible.
“I still have the tubes on me. When I feel the urge to urine, only blood comes out. I now pass urine through the tube,” Khechane told the commission.
He also disclosed that he has undergone multiple surgeries but these have not helped, leaving him in a fragile state.
Khechane further noted that he was also now experiencing fainting spells since the alleged assault.
The urinary tubes connected to him as a result of his injuries have confined him to the Maximum Security Prision hospital, which has now become his temporary home due to his deteriorating health, he added.
“I have now been moved from the cell to the hospital at the Maximum Prison because of my deteriorating health condition,” Khechane submitted.
The commission was established to investigate alleged excessive use of force against prisoners at the MCCI follows the escape of inmates on December 21, 2023 and reports of torture the following day, that resulted in serious injuries.
It was set up by the government in response to a recommendation by the Ombudsman, Advocate Tlotliso Polaki, to thoroughly investigate the allegations of torture during the routine operation at the institution.
The commission will also examine the conduct of correctional staff during this period.
The body started hearing testimonies from all relevant stakeholders including victims and correctional staff from May 13 and it is anticipated to end in September this year.
The issue of inmates’ torture came to light last December when it was revealed that nine soldiers awaiting trial had been tortured, and their family members and legal representatives were denied visitation rights.
A court application was filed demanding that the Lesotho Correctional Services (LCS) management allows access to the detainees and ensure they receive medical attention.
The applicants also requested that the tortured detainees be presented in court to verify their claims.
High Court Judge ’Mabatšoeneng Hlaele granted the order, and the injured inmates were brought before the court on Christmas Eve, providing evidence of the abuse and resulting injuries.
Testimonies continue before the commission.
