Lesotho soldiers and police officers have been accused of torturing suspects during two recent controversial internal operations.
Revelations of human rights violations are contained in a new report by the country’s ombudsman, Tlotliso Polaki. The 21-page report gives details of police and army methods in Operation Fiela and Operation Hard Fist, which targeted gangs and illegal firearms.
Polaki’s report contains 10 cases in which victims suffered broken limbs and mutilated genitals, and were subject to other forms of torture.
She says the findings reflect a “deeply rooted culture of impunity where state security forces feel entitled to bypass human rights by torturing innocent citizens. This is not just about bad apples.”
A witness, from Boleka in the Mafeteng district south of the capital, Maseru, told ombudsman investigators that three of his relatives had been murdered and he had given information about their deaths to police detectives. Soon afterwards, in June last year, he was arrested at his home before dawn and taken, with others, to the village centre, where they were beaten. “I helped them with information about the murderers, and this is how they repaid me,” he said.
In another case detailed in the report, an 80-year-old man said he was kicked for not complying with orders to squat-jump. “I told them I did not have the energy; I just wanted to die like my sons who were gunned down,” he said.
The report says the security forces assembled residents in Liphokoaneng, north of Maseru, in April last year near the home of a local gangster who is associated with the indigenous famo music, which has supposedly been linked to violence. Witnesses said interrogations followed by beatings took place at the time.
Women were not spared, according to the report. Some were forced to sing and ululate while the men were beaten. The report contains images of injuries suffered by some of the victims.
The Lesotho government has not yet officially responded.
Polaki’s report comes amid continuing claims of violence in Lesotho.
Among those held last year was Liteboho Mahloane, who had been accused of dealing in illegal firearms and “abducted”, according to his family, but never prosecuted. He was released after a court action in August, and has launched a civil suit, demanding R5m in damages from the Lesotho Defence Force (LDF).
Based on observations by her investigators, Polaki has made several recommendations aimed at reforming security protocols and forcing accountability within the LDF and police.
These include a review of operational practices, especially regarding the handling of detainees, to ensure their rights; training programmes on dealing with detainees; an independent commission of inquiry to investigate claims of abuse by security agencies; protocols on how to deal with arrests and detentions; ensuring reports of abuse are accessible to civil society organisations; rebuilding trust with the public; reforms of the military justice system; holding accountable those found guilty of violating human rights; and ensuring victims have access to justice and redress.
The allegations surrounding Mahloane’s treatment, along with other incidents reported by local communities, signify a need for comprehensive reforms in Lesotho’s security forces. The recommendations by Polaki serve as steps towards enhancing accountability, restoring public confidence in the military and police and preventing future violations of human rights.
Lesotho police commissioner Borotho Matsoso tells the FM he has received the ombudsman’s report and that the recommended actions will be considered. He says, however, that “numerous factors need to be evaluated before any conclusions can be drawn”.
The LDF did not respond to requests for comment.
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