The Assistant Administrator of the Southern Region High Court, Mrs. Palesa Nkoe, says the newly established court, which will begin hearing cases on February 12, is expected to significantly reduce the backlog of cases at the Maseru High Court while also contributing to economic growth in the district.
Speaking in an interview with the Agency, Mrs. Nkoe said the establishment of the court has brought justice services closer to communities that previously had to travel to Maseru from as far as Qacha’s Nek for cases falling outside the jurisdiction of Magistrates’ Courts. She added that hearing schedules have already been drawn up and that the court currently employs about twenty-seven staff members.
Mrs. Nkoe further indicated that a Judicium has also been established to handle cases from both Local and Central Courts. She noted that the opening of the court has helped address the high rate of unemployment, as several Basotho nationals have been employed.
Meanwhile, one inmate involved in renovation works at the court premises said there are prisoners who have been held in prisons for more than seven years awaiting High Court sentencing. He appealed to the justice system not to deny them justice and welcomed the opening of the new court…
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