AS part of celebrating His Majesty King Letsie III’s 58th birthday, the Lesotho Correctional Service (LCS) has released 65 inmates from various institutions countrywide.
news
Aug. 7, 2021
STAFF REPORTER
2 min read
65 Inmates pardoned in honour of King’s birthday
His Majesty King Letsie III
According to LCS Public Relations Officer, Senior Cadet Officer Pheko Ntobane, the amnesty is in accordance with section 101 of the Constitution of Lesotho and section 332 of the Criminal Procedure and Evidence Act of 1981.
He said inmates who were eligible for the pardon are those who served half of their sentences, adding that the type of offence they were convicted of also mattered.
Another consideration Ntobane said was whether or not the released inmates would be rehabilitated if they were returned to their respective communities.
“The role of the LCS is to rehabilitate inmates, provide them with health care services, equip them with skills that would enable them to be self-reliant upon their release from prison as well as ensure that they reintegrate with victims of crime and the society.”
Ntobane believes that the newly released inmates are ready to return to their respective communities and live harmoniously with them.
Enjoy our daily newsletter from today
Access exclusive newsletters, along with previews of new media releases.
“They should actually consider themselves lucky to have been granted this opportunity to go home before the end of their respective sentences,” he said.
He also appealed to members of the public to welcome and reconcile with released inmates as the King is satisfied with their rehabilitation.
Efforts to get a comment from the President of the Crime Prevention, Rehabilitation and Re-Integration of Ex-Offenders Association (CRROA) on the matter were unsuccessful.
LCS usually pardons eligible inmates on special occasions such as the King's birthday, Christmas or Independence celebrations amongst others. LeNA
Tailored for you
