Concern over judges’ ‘old’ vehicles

Tefo Tefo

Five top-of-the-range vehicles which used to belong to judges are reportedly being deliberately vandalised in an effort to reduce their book value, when they are eventually auctioned.
The cars, among them Mercedes-Benz E-Class Saloons, have been parked at the High Court and Court of Appeal for close to two months, the Sunday Express has been told.

According to sources privy to the case, the vehicles have been parked at the premises in contravention of “the normal practice” which should have seen them being taken to government fleet-supplier, Avis Car Hire and Sales.
“The normal practice is that when new cars are acquired for the judges by the government, the old ones are returned to the fleet-supplier, in this case, Avis.
“But these are being deliberately kept here so that their parts can be stolen and sold, and also to reduce their value in order to make them inexpensive when they eventually go for auction.
“Some of them have no wheels as you can see for yourself,” said the source, pointing to the cars.
Two of the black Mercedes Benz vehicles are now resting on stones because they have no wheels.
The cars are parked where anyone entering the High Court premises from the main gate can see them.

“The cars have become a major talking point among the lawyers and other concerned people who are asking why there is such lack of respect for such an important place like the High Court that its premises have now been turned into a garage.

“In fact, this has become an embarrassment to the face of Lesotho’s judiciary,” another source said.
Contacted for comment yesterday, Registrar of the High Court and Court of Appeal, Advocate Lesitsi Mokeke dismissed allegations that the vehicles are being vandalised.
“The vehicles are being kept on the High Court premises because they have some problems with their rims.
“We are in the process of fixing them so that they can be taken to Avis to be auctioned to the public.
“It is not correct to say they are being vandalised where they are currently parked.
“The problem will be sorted out within a week or so from now,” he said.

“The cars were parked where they are now after the owners were given new ones about a month-and-a-half ago.”