Mohalenyane Phakela

THERE is still no breakthrough and the search is continuing for Judge Molefi Makara’s vehicle which was stolen in Johannesburg on 18 March this year.

Justice Makara was on a private visit when his official vehicle, a black Toyota Prado, was stolen at a mall in Woodmead, Johannesburg.

In a weekend interview, the High Court’s information officer, ‘Mabohlokoa Mapikitla, said the theft of the car was reported to both the Lesotho Mounted Police Service (LMPS) and the South African Police Service (SAPS).

“The car was stolen at a mall in Woodmead while the honourable judge had gone for a personal trip,” Ms Mapikitla said.

“A judge is entitled to use his official car for both work-related and personal activities. The theft was immediately reported to the South African police in Sandton and with our own police. The insurance company has since been notified and investigations are underway,” she added.

On his part, police spokesperson, Senior Superintendent Mpiti Mopeli, said they were waiting on their South African counterparts.

“We have cordial working relations with the SAPS to tackle cross-border crime. Since the judge’s car was stolen in South Africa, we have to wait for them to investigate and inform us if and when they find it,” Senior Supt Mopeli said this weekend.

Meanwhile, the Sunday Express has learnt that High Court registrar, ‘Mathato Sekoai, has asked the Finance Ministry’s principal secretary, Nthoateng Lebona, for permission to replace the judge’s stolen car.

“Your good office is requested to grant us the authority to purchase a black Toyota Prado for His Lordship Molefi Makara as a replacement for the one which was stolen in South Africa on 18 March 2022. We are still awaiting the insurance to finalise processing the claim,” Advocate Sekoai states in her 17 August 2022 letter to Ms Lebona said.