Mopheme/The Survivor (Maseru)
Thabang Loko
26 November 2003
Maseru — Last week on Friday 'Maphamotse Lebitsa, a prisoner in the Maseru female prison said conditions in the prison were bad and since her arrival at the prison two years ago, prisoners have been using cold water for bathing because geysers were not working.
Lebitsa was testifying before the commission of inquiry mandated by the government to investigate the escape of the convicted prisoner Phakiso Molise from Queen Elizabeth II hospital on August 7, 2003 and the general management and administration of the Lesotho Prison Services.
Lebitsa said that there were no showers in the prison and prisoners used washing basins, which they had bought themselves or plastic drums cut in half to make washing basins.
She indicated that, unlike in the male prisons, the female prison lacked recreational activities to keep the prisoners busy and occupied.
"Without sports we found the prison to be a boring place and we feel that prisoners are denied the opportunity to interact with the members of the community," she added.
However, she indicated that relations between the prisoners and prison officers were good, adding that gone were the days when prison officers used to ill-treat prisoners.
"When one is sick or have family- related problems the prison officials intervene and provide solutions,' she added. She noted that daily activities in the female prison include gardening, sewing clothes, making handicrafts, and cleaning premises.
"The female prison produce clothes for all prisons in the country and each prisoner in Maseru female prison have 2 dresses, 2 blouses and 6 blankets," she said.
Justin White is the chairman of the commission and its members are Mathato Morojele and Khethang Mafatlane.
Attorney Lindiwe Maqutu-Moorosi assists the commission in its functions.
Meanwhile the commission adjourned on Friday last week and will resume its services on December 1, 2003.
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