…as JSC advertises eight vacancies
Moorosi Tsiane
THE Judicial Service Commission (JSC) is seeking to strengthen the High Court with eight additional judges in a bid to ease the mounting backlog of cases and relieve pressure on an increasingly congested judiciary.
The vacancies come against the backdrop of repeated concerns by Chief Justice Sakoane Sakoane over the growing backlog and the increasing number of cases awaiting determination.
The JSC said the appointment of additional judges was necessary to ensure the judiciary remained effective amid the rising volume and complexity of cases, while improving access to justice.
According to a public notice issued this week by JSC Secretary, Advocate (Adv) ‘Mathato Sekoai, five of the judges will be stationed in Maseru, two in Leribe and one at the newly opened High Court in Mohale’s Hoek.
“The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) invites individual applications and nominations by members of the public and non-profit organisations for candidates of high moral character and integrity to fill eight vacancies of Puisne Judges in the High Court of Lesotho,” Adv Sekoai said.
The JSC said interested members of the public may nominate individuals whom they believe possess the qualifications, integrity and character required to serve as High Court judges.
Those wishing to make nominations are required to complete a series of forms available through the government website.
“The Nomination Form (JSC/JHC/01) provides the basic information about the candidate and must be signed by the applicant or nominated person,” the notice states.
Applicants and nominees must also complete an Authorisation Form, which permits the JSC Secretary to obtain information concerning their current and past standing from the Law Society and other regulatory bodies.
A Background Check Consent Form is also required to allow the Commission to conduct checks relating to the candidate’s health status and general compliance with the law.
Candidates are further required to complete a questionnaire that will provide information to be used during oral interviews and the Commission’s subsequent assessment.
“Candidates should complete the form in full and in accordance with the instructions provided,” Adv Sekoai said.
The Commission said the recruitment process was intended to identify candidates of high moral character and integrity, underscoring the importance attached to the quality and independence of those who will occupy the Bench.
The eight appointments will increase the judicial capacity of the High Court at a time when delays in the disposal of cases have remained a persistent concern.
Justice Sakoane has on several occasions raised concerns about the heavy workload confronting the courts, with the accumulation of cases contributing to delays in litigants obtaining finality in their matters.
The establishment of the Southern Division in Mohale’s Hoek is expected to bring judicial services closer to communities in the southern part of the country, while the additional judges in Maseru and Leribe are expected to bolster the existing divisions. Adv Sekoai said the names of all applicants and nominees received would be published.
The announcement comes months after five acting judges — Sekake Malebanye KC, Tsebang Putsoane, Manapo Motebele, Palesa Rantara and Tšooana Lesaoana – were sworn in by Justice Sakoane in September last year.
The High Court currently has 14 substantive judges and another acting judge, Charles Hungwe, who has been seized with high-profile cases since 2018.
The substantive judges include Chief Justice Sakoane, Justices Molefi Makara, Moroke Mokhesi, Polo Banyane, Realeboha Mathaba, Fumane Khabo, Makampong Mokhoro, ‘Mabatšoeneng Hlaele, Tšeliso Mokoko, ‘Mafelile Ralebese, ‘Maliepollo Makhetha, Moneuoa Kopo, Itumeleng Shale and suspended ‘Maseforo Mahase.
The successful candidates will join a judiciary under increasing pressure to dispose of cases efficiently while maintaining the independence, integrity and quality expected of the country’s superior courts.
The deadline and other administrative requirements for applications and nominations are contained in the JSC’s public notice and accompanying forms.