Billy Ntaote
MASERU — A lawyer representing the Lesotho Public Motor Transport (Pty) Ltd against 19 respondents Advocate Tekane Maqakachane says 11 of the respondents who stormed Acting Commercial Court Judge, Justice Lebohang Molete’s offices should face criminal charges.
Maqakachane said this in a letter written to the Assistant Registrar of the High Court Commercial Court division on Friday this week following Justice Molete’s recusal last week.
In his letter, Maqakachane indicates the alleged conduct of the mob that stormed Justice Molete’s offices warrants a detailed report of the events by the assistant registrar to be submitted to the commissioner of police for appropriate action.
Justice Molete is presiding over the case of disputed property near the long-distance bus terminus involving the Lesotho Public Motor Transport (Pty) Ltd and 19 respondents.
Justice Molete on Thursday recused himself in the case saying though the 11 respondents who stormed his offices and those of the registrar’s intentions are not clear, it seems they were expressing dissatisfaction about a settlement made in a matter in which they were not involved but which has a bearing on their own case.
Both cases are before him.
Maqakachane warned if remedial action is not taken, this could undermine the administration of justice in the country.
“I shudder to think of and less still to see the dawn of that day when the whole administration of justice is brought to its knees as a result of the general disrespect and contempt by the public/litigants to the judicial system, judicial
officers and judicial proceedings,” he said.
In the letter, which has been copied to the legal representatives all parties involved in the matter, Maqakachane suggested that the alleged misconduct is a serious violation of clear statutory criminal proscriptive provision.
Maqakachane said the mob that stormed Justice Molete’s offices could face charges under sections 88 and section 90 of the Penal Code Act, 2010.
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