Maseru, July 05– Correctional Officers who are alleged to have paralyzed an inmate, Tlotliso Bereng were once again implicated by another inmate when testifying before the Commission Of Inquiry on the escape of inmates.
An inmate Christopher Sempe told the Commission on Friday that he observed Correctional Officer Sekokotoana and Mothabeng assaulting Bereng on December 22, 2023 during the general search exercise that was conducted at Maseru Central Correctional Institution (MCCI).
Mr. Sempe said he observed three officers assaulting Bereng, saying he knew two who were not wearing masks and were Sekokotoana and Mothabeng.
“I saw them beating Bereng while he was down but did not quite observe the items they were beating him with but saw something like a plank” he said.
When cross examining Mr. Sempe on this matter, Sekokotoana’s Lawyer said his client indicated that he never went to Bereng’s cell.
On the other hand, Mothabeng said since Sempe said he observed him as he was not wearing a mask, there is no way he could enter the prison cells without wearing a mask thus he never went to Bereng’s cell on December 22.
He also said his right hand, which he uses to do almost everything, has a problem thus could not have used it to assault Bereng.
Meanwhile, when testifying before the Commission on Thursday Bereng said he did not know the recruits who assaulted him as they were wearing masks and that he was new at the facility.
Bereng, who is currently out of prison also disclosed that doctors said he might never be able to walk again but always believed a miracle could happen and he would walk.
Ends
