Maseru, July 13 — The Judicial Officers Association of Lesotho (JOALE) has strongly condemned recent threats made against the life and safety of the Mohale’s Hoek Magistrate Miss Relebohile Khongoana, describing it as a serious attack on judicial independence and the rule of law.
In an interview with the Agency, JOALE Secretary General, Miss Puseletso McPherson said the association views the incident within the broader context of ongoing security concerns affecting Magistrates in Lesotho.
Miss McPherson said reports in the association’s possession indicate that a number of judicial officers have previously been subjected to threats of violence and death while carrying out their judicial responsibilities.
She said the security of judicial officers is central to the independence of the Judiciary, which is guaranteed under Section 118 of the Constitution of Lesotho.
She stressed that Magistrates must be allowed to discharge their constitutional duties without fear, favour or interference, in accordance with their Oath of Office and internationally recognised standards contained in the Bangalore Principles of Judicial Conduct.
She said JOALE stands in full solidarity with the affected Magistrate and all judicial officers, emphasising that no member of the Judiciary should fear for their life while administering justice.
Miss McPherson called on the Lesotho Mounted Police Service (LMPS) and other relevant authorities to urgently investigate the reported threats and provide adequate protection for the affected judicial officers and court premises.
She also urged the Judicial Service Commission to immediately review and strengthen security measures for Magistrates in fulfilment of its constitutional responsibility to safeguard their welfare, security and independence.
She further appealed to the Government of Lesotho to provide adequate funding to the Judiciary to enable the Judicial Service Commission to effectively address security challenges facing Magistrates. She noted that fear remains one of the greatest obstacles to the effective delivery of justice.
Miss McPherson also urged litigants and members of the public who are dissatisfied with court decisions to make use of the country’s legal processes, including appeals and reviews, instead of resorting to threats, intimidation or violence against judicial officers.
She reaffirmed JOALE’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring the fair, impartial and effective administration of justice for all Basotho.
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