WARDERS who murdered inmate Bokang Tsoako following his attempt to flee last December say they are sorry. Despite the grovelling apologies, some still insisted that they did not assault the inmates. The warders were seen in closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage assaulting Tsoako and Seboka Motumi, who survived the brutal torture.
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Chief Officer Mpitsa Marai, a former Likuena defender and LCS FC coach, told the commission of inquiry chaired by Justice Realeboha Mathaba Commission that “I only tapped him twice and at some point you will see that I was protecting him”.
Correctional Officer Mpokotho, who was seen slamming Tsoako on the wall, said he moved closer to Tsoako after he was recaptured to “see his face”.
Mpokotho said “during that commotion, Tsoako lost balance and collided with me”.
“I pushed him to go away from me,” he said.
“I said “tloha pel’a ka u tla nkenya Ha Satane,” translated “go away from me, you will land me in Satan’s place”.
“My intention was not to harm him at all,” he said.
“I only came closer to see him.”
Mpokotho told the commission that he was overwhelmed by emotions.
“I was so happy on that day since I was going to get married the following day,” he said.
Mpokotho said the CCTV footage that they saw does not reflect the calibre of man he is.
“I like peace and love and I’m not a violent person at all.”
He pledged to do anything to comfort Tsoako’s family.
Mpokotho said the media has portrayed him as a bad person who is violent and ruthless against defenceless people.
He told the mourning families that he is embarrassed and ashamed over their loss.
He said he is aware that whatever he would give to the family would not bring back Tsoako.
“I will do whatever the family wants me to do to show my remorse.”
Justice Mathaba told him that “you literally manhandled Tsoako with your hands and slammed him against that wall”.
“What I see there is you throwing him to the wall,” the judge said.
Officer Ratsetse who was spotted punching Tsoako several times admitted that he kicked and slapped him.
He said he was drunk after they held a Christmas party at work.
“I ate that meat and drank that beer,” Ratsetse said. “I ended up beating those inmates as I saw other officers beating them.”
He admitted that what he did was wrong and shameful.
During his 22 years as a warder, this was his first time to be engaged in such behaviour.
“I am ashamed. I apologise to Basotho, colleagues, superiors and the parents and relatives of those inmates,” Ratsetse said.
Justice Mathaba told Ratsetse that it is not true that he just slapped Tsoako.
“We saw you displaying your taekwondo skills on him. The aggression we saw on you on that day was too much,” he said.
Officer Kheleli who was seen kicking Tsoako after he was slammed to the wall, said they were angry at the inmates for escaping.
“I tried to kick (Tsoako) but I was pushed by Chief Officer Putsoane,” Kheleli said.
Kheleli said he was not the only officer who tried to assault the recaptured inmates.
“I am very much ashamed of the death of Tsoako,” he said.
“I am asking for forgiveness from the family and relatives of Tsoako.”
Correctional Officer Mokiba, told the commission that he was very drunk on the day.
He said it is a norm that warders assault recaptured inmates “regardless of whether there is beer or not”.
He said it is their culture.
Mokiba said he ended up beating the inmates as he saw other officers beating them.
“I am not pleased with what I did, I am ashamed with how I acted on that day,” Mokiba said.
“I am also remorseful for the actions that I did.”
He apologised for allowing his emotions to get the better of him.
“I am sorry, especially because I was posted far from where the incident happened but I went there.”
Officer Mahao told the commission that his beating did not cause Tsoako’s death.
“I only spanked him on the buttocks. My intention was not to harm him.”
Officer Mahao admitted that what they did was wrong.
“I am ashamed with what happened, that is why I volunteered to come here and assist the commission on what transpired on that day,” he said.
An officer who was very violent on that day, Marebole, told the commission that he kicked Tsoako when he arrived as the officers who went to search for him were already beating him.
Marebole said he assaulted him because he was angry at him for escaping because when an inmate escapes, it looks like warders sleep on duty.
“We were intoxicated,” Marebole said.
“I am ashamed for being involved in the events that led to Tsoako’s demise,” he said.
Marebole said he became ashamed when he watched the CCTV footage.
Nkheli Liphoto