Moorosi Tsiane
A property dispute in Maseru has escalated into a major legal battle, with businessman, Lemphane Maliehe, suing Ntolo Majara for M5 million over a contested land arrangement.
The dispute centres on Plot No. 13272-307 in Khubetsoana, which Mr Maliehe says was allocated to him under a 2012 agreement involving himself, Ms Majara and the Live Right Christian Centre.
According to court papers, the agreement required Mr Maliehe to give up his plot at Lithoteng Ha Pita to the church, while Ms Majara would transfer her Khubetsoana plot to him. However, it is not clear how the two relate to the church.
“Under the arrangement I surrendered my plot at Lithoteng Ha Pita to the church, while respondent (Majara) undertook to transfer Plot No. 13272-307 to me,” Mr Maliehe states.
He says the church fulfilled its obligations by renovating Ms Majara’s property at Ha Paso and constructing rental flats, which now generate income for her.
However, Mr Maliehe claims Ms Majara failed to transfer the plot as agreed.
“Despite enjoying the benefits of her flats and renovations, Ms Majara maliciously withheld transfer of Plot No. 13272-307, frustrating my ability to secure ministerial consent and proceed with development,” he claims.
Mr Maliehe argues that the matter goes beyond a contractual dispute.
“The Respondent’s obstruction was not a mere contractual lapse but a delictual wrong: she intentionally interfered with my proprietary and economic rights,” he said.
He further alleges that Ms Majara acted in bad faith.
“Her conduct was malicious, oppressive, and calculated to deprive me of business opportunities while enriching herself,” he adds.
Mr Maliehe says he suffered financial losses after failing to develop the property, including missed financing opportunities.
“I lost financing opportunities tied to the property, as banks and investors require ministerial consent and clear title,” he explains.
He also claims reputational damage.
“I suffered humiliation and prejudice, as Ms Majara continues to enjoy benefits while I am denied reciprocal rights,” he says.
Mr Maliehe is seeking M5 million in damages, including M2.5 million for patrimonial loss, M1 million for business losses, and additional amounts for special, general, and aggravated damages.
He maintains that Ms Majara had no legal basis to block the transfer, even if there were disputes involving the church.
“Even if Live Right Christian Centre were in default, Ms Majara is not entitled to resort to self-help or malicious obstruction,” he argues.