DPE INTERVENES IN THE DISPUTE

Development for Peace Education in collaboration with United Nations facilitated a dialogue session on brutality in the detention centres at Lekokoaneng Community Library, Litšiling Village. This dialogue session was aimed at providing a platform for citizens to voice out their concerns on brutality in the detention centres to the duty-bearers in the justice sector.

Commenting on this, Mopapa Sekonyela from Liseleng Village where the road infrastructure connecting Katse and Pollihali Phase 1 A and Phase II of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project respectively, who experienced brutality while in detention said that he was kicked and thrown into freezing water for hours then he was locked up in a cell for three days without food and water. In a same manner, ‘Matokelo Sekonyela and her colleague also shared that they were terribly tortured by being forced to do squat and frog jump while holding their ears. “We felt so humiliated because we were wearing dresses during this process with the policeman insulting us.” They sadly shared to the public dialogue.

Moreover, Advocate Borenahabokhethe Sekonyela said there are so many cases of people who have been brutally treated while in detention centres. These people are dragged into industrial action construed as riot by enforcement officers by the delayed due compensation. ”It is extremely vital that the courts compensate people based on their injuries and loses on time and again the security agencies need to be taught about the fundamental human rights crucial to the authentic investigation of the suspected crime” he argued.

Magistrate Tšeliso Bale, speaking in the dialogue from his experience as a jurist sitting on the matters affecting brutality lamented that it would have been important if the all duty-bearers in the justice sector were present.  He added that there is challenge that are being terribly punished before they can be legally charged. “The justice sector and the public should build a relationship and work hand in hand without any threats.” He called upon.

Speaking at this event, Minister of Law and Justice Richard Ramoeletsi applauded DPE for continuing strengthening education on human rights to the citizens. He reminded the communities that that the country is facing serious challenge on the  gender based violence, noting that  the dialogue will assist the government come up with a well planned strategy on how to overcome this challenge. He invited DPE to provide a report consisting of all the citizens’ concerns and recommendations.

On the other hand, Thuathe Member of Parliament Voeswa Tsheka said, “People need to be aware that all this brutality is happening because we are a sad generation, we are all hurting from something and we need to allow ourselves to heal so that we can develop a human heart and start treating each other better.” She added that it is important that people abide by the law.”