…after one of them gets death threats
…as they decry poor security and “neglect”
Hopolang Mokhopi
FEARS over the safety of magistrates have resurfaced after one of their colleagues in Mohale’s Hoek received death threats, renewing concerns about the poor working conditions and inadequate security faced by these judicial officers across the country.
The latest incident has reignited long-standing complaints by magistrates, who say they continue to work under dangerous conditions without official residences, transport or adequate security despite repeatedly raising their concerns with the judiciary’s leadership.
Mohale’s Hoek Magistrate Relebohile Khongoane reportedly discovered a handwritten death threat note in her office on Friday morning.
Chief Magistrate for the Southern Region, Manyathela Kolobe, under which the Mohale’s Hoek court falls, confirmed the incident, saying the matter had been reported to the Lesotho Mounted Police Service (LMPS).
The note warned: “We are going to kill you Khoanyane. Make sure the sun does not set upon you… your time is coming… this is Mohale’s Hoek,” before continuing with a series of insults.
“We do not know who could be behind this, but we suspect it may be people with matters before Magistrate Khongoane, particularly those who believe court proceedings are not going in their favour,” Magistrate Kolobe said.
He said police responded immediately after being notified.
“We appreciate the swift response from the police. A criminal case has been opened and investigations are underway. Although about four police officers assist us daily, we remain concerned because threats can arise at any time and in any place.”
Magistrate Kolobe said the incident exposed the vulnerability of magistrates, who are not provided with permanent security despite the risks associated with their work.
“We do not fall under the government’s criteria for 24-hour security. Once incidents of this nature calm down, everything returns to normal, but the danger never really disappears,” he said.
He added that the Mohale’s Hoek Magistrate’s Court itself lacked basic security infrastructure.
“The court premises are not even fenced, and members of the public move freely through the yard. This is the first incident of its kind here, and although we have always enjoyed a good relationship with the community, it shows how exposed we are.”
LMPS spokesperson, Superintendent Thabo Mohai, said he was not yet aware of the matter.
“I cannot confirm whether the case has been reported because I am off duty today. I will provide more information next week,” he said.
Growing fears among magistrates
The latest threat comes against the backdrop of several disturbing incidents involving magistrates in recent years.
One magistrate was allegedly evicted from a rented flat after sentencing her landlord’s son, while another was reportedly ordered out of a taxi late at night after the driver recognised her as the magistrate who had previously convicted him.
Another magistrate, Itumeleng Letsika, is currently under police protection after previously receiving death threats.
Magistrates who spoke to the Sunday Express on condition of anonymity said the latest incident reflected the dangers they face daily.
“At one point, a magistrate boarded a taxi from Maseru to Roma. While passengers were paying their fares, the driver recognised her as the woman who had once sentenced him and immediately ordered her out of the vehicle,” one magistrate said.
“It was around 8pm during winter, and she was dropped off at Ha Maja. Imagine a woman standing alone on the roadside in the dark, desperately trying to find another lift home.”
The source added that another magistrate had been forced to vacate rented accommodation after her landlord became unhappy with a sentence imposed on his son.
“We work under extremely difficult conditions that threaten our safety every day. We are not asking for luxury. We simply need official housing, transport to and from work, and adequate security because of the nature of our duties.”
Claims of neglect
The magistrates also accused Chief Justice Sakoane Sakoane of failing to address concerns they have repeatedly raised over the years.
According to the judicial officers, magistrates are required to report operational challenges to the Chief Justice and High Court and Court of Appeal Registrar, Advocate ‘Mathato Sekoai, before taking any further action.
However, they claim little has been done to resolve their concerns.
“We have repeatedly reported these issues, but there has been little or no response. In some cases, nothing happens at all,” another magistrate said.
“We feel neglected. Every day we preside over cases involving dangerous criminals, yet afterwards we travel home on public transport and live in the same communities as the very people we sentence.”
Apart from low salaries, the magistrates said they received no transport, telephones, security or responsibility allowances despite the high-risk nature of their work.
They argued that the absence of official transport and secure accommodation left them particularly vulnerable to intimidation and retaliation from disgruntled litigants and convicted offenders.
However, the concerns are not new. In 2019, magistrates formally petitioned then Acting Chief Justice ‘Maseforo Mahase to engage the government over their deteriorating working conditions. Among their demands were official housing, transport, improved security and better allowances.
Seven years later, they say little has changed, and the latest death threat against Magistrate Khongoane has only heightened fears that their safety continues to be overlooked.
Contacted for comment, Judiciary spokesperson, ‘Mabohlokoa Mapikitla, said the Judiciary was fully aware of the challenges affecting magistrates’ working conditions and had already raised the matter with the government.
“The Judiciary is aware of the challenges affecting magistrates’ working conditions. In fact, these concerns were raised by the magistrates themselves during the Judges and Magistrates Colloquium held in the first week of July,” Ms Mapikitla said.
She said Justice Sakoane had listened to the magistrates’ concerns and, during the closing session attended by the Minister of Law and Justice, Richard Ramoeletsi, appealed to the minister to intervene and help address issues relating to magistrates’ working conditions, security and welfare.
Ms Mapikitla added that the Chief Justice had reiterated the concerns during the National Dialogue and Accountability Summit a fortnight ago, where he identified the poor working conditions of magistrates as one of the Judiciary’s key challenges.
“He informed the public that he had already engaged the Minister of Law and Justice on the matter and expressed hope that the concerns would receive the necessary attention,” Ms Mapikitla said.