Maseru, Feb.19 – Three former employees of the Lesotho Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) appeared before the Maseru Magistrate’s Court on charges of unlawfully procuring plastic bags.
The accused are Mpaiphele Maqutu (54), former Director of Elections at the IEC; Joalane Mavuso (45), former Executive Secretary to the Director of Elections; and Mabatho Sesoane (47), former Finance Manager.
The trio appeared before Magistrate Nkhethoa Molapo facing charges of contravening provisions of Section 164 read with Section 167 of the Public Procurement Act No. 3 of 2023.
It is alleged that between January 22, 2025 and February 22, 2025, at the IEC offices in the Maseru district, the accused, acting in concert and in furtherance of a common purpose, unlawfully and intentionally procured and purchased 3,000 paper bags without adhering to proper procurement procedures.
During a bail application, Advocate Lepeli Molapo, representing the accused, submitted that his clients had attended numerous interviews and cooperated with investigating officers.
He further stated that the accused were neither arrested nor summoned by the police, adding that they are not flight risks.
The court granted each of the accused bail of M2,000. The matter was postponed to March 3, 2026.
Ends/MAMAJ/BM
