…as it adopts disciplinary panel’s recommendation to retire him
Moorosi Tsiane / Hopolang Mokhopi
THE Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has sealed the fate of Maseru Senior Resident Magistrate, Peter Murenzi, after endorsing a disciplinary probe’s recommendation that he be sent on forced retirement.
High Court Judge Realeboha Mathaba, who presided over the disciplinary inquiry, on 22 January 2026 recommended that Magistrate Murenzi be retired after finding him guilty of unlawfully releasing murder suspects on bail.
At its 329th sitting, held a fortnight ago, the JSC adopted Justice Mathaba’s recommendation, effectively removing Magistrate Murenzi from office.
“The Commission considered the report and recommendation by the adjudicator (Mathaba) and ordered that the officer (Murenzi) be removed from office by compulsory retirement with immediate effect,” reads the JSC resolution.
Magistrate Murenzi confirmed the development to this publication on Friday but said he was not yet ready to comment substantively, as he was still trying to come to terms with the decision.
“The matter has been finalised and the JSC has adopted the recommendations from Justice Mathaba. I am still trying to absorb the shock after having been suspended for such a long time,” he said.
“I loved my job and my career path and would have liked to continue serving. But now that I am retired with all my benefits, I cannot challenge the decision. A contract of employment is like a marriage – when it is over, you pick yourself up and move on.”
Magistrate Murenzi had been on suspension since February last year, a situation that brought all cases pending before him to a standstill.
His suspension followed the brief arrest and subsequent resignation of Lesotho Correctional Service (LCS) officer Ralekoti Mokhahlane. The pair, together with prosecutor Matias Chopho, were alleged to have conspired to secure the release of five inmates — Hei “Lekaota” Nketsi, Moeketsi Rantheba, Lebajoa Mpeke, Molahlei Mpeke and Retšelisitsoe Mpeke — who were being held at Maseru Central Correctional Institution.
Magistrate Murenzi was accused of granting questionable bail to the group and facilitating their release while they were still on remand.
The disciplinary proceedings stemmed from an investigation ordered by Chief Justice Sakoane Sakoane, who instructed the High Court and Court of Appeal Registrar, Advocate ’Mathato Sekoai, to probe cases involving dubious bail rulings, including those allegedly linked to Magistrate Murenzi.
Nketsi and Rantheba were charged with conspiracy to kill a state witness in the murder case of radio personality Ralikonelo “Leqhashasha” Joki. They were jointly charged with Moabi Sesioana and Sootho Liphoto, who were convicted in December last year by High Court Judge Tšeliso Mokoko for the murders of Joki, Mothibe Mothibe and Thomello Ntsane.
Nketsi and Rantheba had been controversially released in February 2025. Nketsi was re-arrested a few days later after the state successfully obtained warrants, while Rantheba later surrendered to police and appeared before Magistrate Lerato Ntelane for remand.
Upon their re-arrest, both Nketsi and Rantheba told Magistrate Itumeleng Letsika that they had been in their cells when an unfamiliar prison warder informed them that they were free to leave.
Magistrate Murenzi later confirmed that he had ordered the release of the five accused in two separate matters but denied any wrongdoing, insisting that he had merely exercised his legal discretion as the magistrate on call.
Justice Mathaba presided over the disciplinary proceedings from May last year. The matter was heard on various dates, with Adv Sekoai prosecuting, while Court of Appeal Assistant Registrar, Adv Mosito Rabotsoa, represented Magistrate Murenzi.
Cases to start afresh
All criminal and civil cases that were pending before Magistrate Murenzi will now have to start afresh before other magistrates to whom the matters will be reallocated. Whenever a presiding officer is removed from office, proceedings must recommence before a new adjudicator.
Among the affected matters is the trial of four Lesotho Defence Force (LDF) members charged with the 2016 attempted murder of former Lesotho Times and Sunday Express editor Lloyd Mutungamiri.
The case was already at an advanced stage, with the Crown having closed its case. Mr Mutungamiri was flown from Zimbabwe under heavy security in March 2022 to testify — a process that will now have to be repeated if the trial restarts.
The accused soldiers — former Military Intelligence boss Brigadier Rapele Mphaki, Khutlang Mochesane, Nyatso Tšoeunyane and Maribe Nathane — have been in custody since their arrest in 2017. Mphaki and Nathane were granted bail in December 2025, while the other two remain behind bars after failing to apply for bail.
Once the matter is enrolled before a different magistrate, the Crown will again have to incur substantial costs to transport Mr Mutungamiri from Zimbabwe to testify.