Maseru, May 29 — Lesotho Correctional Service Sergent Thato Mahlaka has denied being among Officers who assaulted the late Bokang Tsoako after he was re-captured.
This, he said when stating his version on the matter before the Commission Of Inquiry after the army inmate Malefane Heqoa alleged that he was one of the officers who assaulted the deceased.
Sgt. Mahlaka said he was not at Maseru Central Correctional Institution (MCCI) premises when Tsoako was assaulted because he was at his home in Leribe.
He indicated that he left his place to Leribe on December 22 which was Friday until Sunday when he returned.
“It is not true that I was in MCCI premises on that day,” he said, insisting that Heqoa was lying.
He also asked the inmate if he heard the Officer Commanding MCCI mentioning his name among people who were seen assaulting the deceased on the footage while testifying before the Commission.
He further said the inmate was not telling the truth regarding the time he claimed the deceased arrived at the facility after being re-captured.
Meanwhile the Commission Chairperson Justice Realeboha Mathaba told the Sergent to prepare and bring evidence when he is given time to testify, reminding him that the commission does not decides who is telling the truth or not but gathers evidence.
Bokang Tsoako was one of the six inmates who escaped from MCCI on December 21 last year and was confirmed dead at Queen Mamohato Memorial hospital after being assaulted by LCS Officers.
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