Chief Justice Sakoane Initiates Impeachment Proceedings Against Lesotho's Top Prosecutor

Chief Justice Sakoane of Lesotho has instructed the Registrar to contact former Chief Justice Mahapela Lehohla to head a planned tribunal aimed at impeaching the country's Director of Public Prosecutions, Hlalefang Motinyane. The move comes amidst ongoing tensions and legal battles within Lesotho's judiciary and law enforcement institutions.

In a separate development, the Court of Appeal refused to hear an application by Police Commissioner Holomo Molibeli seeking to nullify a September 2020 High Court judgment that revoked his dismissal of LEPOSA national treasurer Lance Sergeant Mathebe Motseki. Court of Appeal president Justice Kananelo Mosito ruled that the case could not proceed without written reasons from the High Court judge who made the original judgment. "They may have to postpone the matter to the next Court of Appeal session in October to allow the High Court to provide the written reasons," Justice Mosito stated.

Meanwhile, Lance Sergeant Motseki has been allowed to resume her duties following the High Court's decision to revoke her dismissal by Commissioner Molibeli. The case highlights the ongoing power struggles and legal disputes between various factions within Lesotho's police force and judiciary.

Why this matters: The initiation of impeachment proceedings against Lesotho's top prosecutor and the ongoing legal battles within the country's law enforcement and judicial institutions underscore the deep-rooted challenges facing Lesotho's justice system. These developments have significant implications for the rule of law, accountability, and the stability of the country's governance structures.

The government recently tabled the National Reforms Commission Bill 2018 in parliament, which aims to establish a commission to lead a national dialogue towards implementing multi-sector reforms. However, concerns have been raised by members of the public, politicians, philosophers, and non-governmental organizations about the inclusiveness and transparency of the proposed reforms process. The BOTHOPELE Foundation, a local NGO, has put forward a two-phase plan for social transformation and multi-sector reforms, emphasizing the need for broad-based participation and oversight by a National Steering Committee representing various sectors of society.

As Lesotho grapples with these challenges, the outcome of the impeachment proceedings against the Director of Public Prosecutions and the resolution of the legal disputes within the police force will be closely watched. The country's ability to address these complex issues and implement meaningful reforms will be critical in determining its future stability and progress.

Key Takeaways

• Lesotho's Chief Justice orders tribunal to impeach Director of Public Prosecutions
• Court of Appeal refuses to hear Police Commissioner's application to nullify dismissal
• Dismissed police treasurer allowed to resume duties after High Court revoked dismissal
• Impeachment proceedings and legal disputes highlight challenges in Lesotho's justice system
• Proposed national reforms face concerns over inclusiveness and transparency