�We are beaten, frozen, tied up, electrocuted�
Mbongeni Mguni | Tuesday June 28, 2016 16:47
The 24 are part of a group of more than 50 who were arrested between April and June last year, on charges that they were plotting a mutiny.
The arrests culminated in the assassination of former Lesotho Defence Force (LDF) chief, Maaparankoe Mahao, sparking a SADC enquiry led by local retired judge, Mpaphi Phumaphi.
According to documents seen by Mmegi, the lawyers said in efforts to squeeze confessions out of them, their clients were blindfolded throughout their detention, kept in shackles, submerged in freezing water, tied on poles in freezing weather and subjected to other forms of torture.
“Our clients were not informed of the reasons for their alleged arrests and their families were not informed of their arrests.
“They allege torture such as physical assault including kicking in the diaphragm, rib cage, scrotum, and suffocating with a tube, as well as being beaten with rifle buts and metal bars, and suspended by handcuffs.
“They were also subjected to electric shock and denied access to food, water and medication.”
The lawyers say the independent commission of enquiry should not contain military or police officers, as well as staff from the Attorney General or Director of Public Prosecutions.
The lawyers have given Mosisili up to July 4 to respond, failing which they say they will seek alternative redress.
The letter is copied to South Africa deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa, SADC, diplomats at the European Union and the United States.