By Our Reporter
A storm of outrage has erupted across the Kingdom of Lesotho following reports that a senior correctional officer at Maseru Central Prison allegedly impregnated five female inmates over a period of nine months, triggering a nationwide investigation and urgent calls for prison reform.
According to internal whistleblowers and preliminary medical reports, the officer—identified by his initials only, “T.M.” pending formal charges—exploited his authority to gain sexual access to the inmates, some of whom were awaiting trial for minor offenses.
“This is not just an abuse of power. This is rape under the guise of authority,” said Lilian Rasekho, a human rights activist with the Lesotho Women’s Justice League. “These women were supposed to be protected by the state, not violated by it.”
Silent Suffering Behind Bars
Multiple sources inside the prison revealed that inmates were coerced with promises of early release, better food, or favorable reports to parole boards. Those who resisted were allegedly threatened with solitary confinement or the withdrawal of medical care.
The scandal broke after a confidential health audit revealed that five female inmates—aged between 19 and 33—were pregnant, with no outside access permitted during their incarceration.
“There’s no way these pregnancies happened without internal involvement,” said a former prison nurse who resigned earlier this year. “Everyone knew something was wrong, but no one dared speak up.”
Government Responds
The Lesotho Correctional Service (LCS) confirmed the allegations and announced that the officer had been suspended with immediate effect while investigations are conducted by the Directorate on Corruption and Economic Offences (DCEO).
In a press briefing, LCS Commissioner Thabo Mapetla said:
“We condemn this alleged misconduct in the strongest terms. If proven, the officer involved will not only face dismissal but criminal prosecution. We are committed to ensuring justice is served.”
A System Under Fire
The incident has exposed glaring weaknesses in Lesotho’s correctional oversight system. Civil society groups are demanding that:
- All female correctional facilities be staffed exclusively by women;
- Surveillance systems be installed in sensitive areas of all prisons;
- Inmates be allowed confidential access to independent legal and psychological services.
Members of Parliament have called for an emergency session to address the crisis, with opposition leader Mpho Ramakatsa stating:
“This disgraceful incident has brought shame to our justice system. It is time for a national reckoning.”
International Reaction
Amnesty International’s regional office issued a statement calling the case “a gross violation of human rights and dignity,” urging the government to take swift and transparent action.
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), which supports prison reform initiatives in Lesotho, also expressed concern and offered assistance in the ongoing investigation.
The five affected inmates are now under medical and psychological care at Queen Mamohato Memorial Hospital. Legal aid groups are pushing for formal charges to be filed, including sexual assault, abuse of power, and misconduct in public office.
As the investigation unfolds, Basotho citizens are left asking: how many more abuses are hidden behind the prison walls?