Maseru, April 16 — The Lesotho Correctional Service (LCS) says restorative justice plays a crucial role in reducing reliance on incarceration, particularly for minor offences, thereby easing prison overcrowding.

In an interview with the Agency on Wednesday, LCS Principal Rehabilitation Officer (PRO), Mr. Lefelisa Setloboke, said the Ministry of Justice, through LCS, has made notable progress in educating communities about the concept of restorative justice.

He explained that in previous years, LCS hosted activities such as Restorative Justice Week, during which the public was sensitised on restorative justice processes. These initiatives also facilitated reconciliation between offenders and victims, helping to restore relationships within families and communities, while promoting social harmony and preventing repeat offences.

Mr. Setloboke, however, indicated that budget constraints have limited outreach programmes, making it difficult to reach wider audiences. He therefore urged Area Chiefs across the country to collaborate with LCS to ensure that communities remain informed about restorative justice in order to maintain peace and stability.

He further appealed to chiefs to strengthen partnerships with LCS to enhance community awareness and education, especially at a time when increasing impatience and conflict among individuals may contribute to rising crime.

Meanwhile, Lesotho Mounted Police Service (LMPS) Public Relations Officer, Superintendent Thabo Mohai, welcomed the initiative, noting that although restorative justice falls under the mandate of LCS, the police support it as it has previously demonstrated its effectiveness in fostering lasting peace.

The Agency has established that restorative justice encompasses various approaches, including victim-offender mediation and family group conferencing.

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