12/06/2026
GOVERNMENT COMMITS TO BRINGING JUSTICE CLOSER TO THE PEOPLE
Mohale's Hoek, June 12 -- Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Justice and Law, Justice Nthomeng Majara, says the establishment of the Southern Region High Court demonstrates government's commitment to bringing justice services closer to communities.
Speaking at the official launch of the Southern Region High Court on Friday, Justice Majara said access to justice is a fundamental right recognised by both national and international laws.
She noted that High Court services were previously available only in Maseru, but the establishment of the Northern Region High Court and the office of the Judicial Commissioner in 2022 marked an important step towards decentralising judicial services.
Justice Majara commended Chief Justice Sakoane Sakoane and the judiciary for expanding access to justice and ensuring that more Basotho can access court services without travelling long distances.
She further revealed that plans are underway to construct a permanent court building for the Southern Region.
The Deputy Prime Minister assured residents of Majantja and surrounding communities of government's continued support for the justice sector through financial and other necessary resources.
Justice Majara said she was honoured to witness the growth of the judiciary, a sector in which she served before joining politics.
At the same event, the Minister of Law and Justice Mr. Richard Ramoeletsi expressed concern over the absence of correctional facilities for women and juveniles in the district.
He said government plans to construct such facilities in 2027.
Speaking at the same event, Chief Justice Sakoane Sakoane urged communities to resolve disputes amicably through families, chiefs and church leaders before taking matters to the courts.
He said Lesotho is widely regarded as a Christian nation and encouraged people to seek peaceful solutions to conflicts wherever possible, leaving the courts as a last resort.
The Chief Justice noted that the judiciary is facing a heavy workload, particularly in criminal matters, due to a shortage of judges and inadequate infrastructure.
According to Chief Justice Sakoane, the situation has resulted in a backlog of cases dating back to 2014 and 2020.
He therefore called on members of the public to refrain from criminal activities and assist in reducing the burden on the courts.
Chief Justice Sakoane further explained that before 2026, suspects in criminal cases were not required to disclose their defence before appearing in court, making investigations more difficult when accused persons denied involvement without accounting for their whereabouts.
He said such situations often delayed investigations and the administration of justice.
The Chief Justice added that courts now expect criminal incidents to be reported promptly to enable investigating officers to establish facts and identify those involved.
The launch was attended by judges from the High Court in Maseru and the Northern Region, as well as the Registrar of the High Court, Mrs. 'Mathato Sekoai.
The Southern Region High Court, which commenced operations in February this year, is expected to serve the districts of Mafeteng, Mohale's Hoek, Quthing and Qacha's Nek.
Ends/MAMO
LENA
