By: Thoboloko Ntšonyane
MASERU – The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) announces vacancies for the position of three Judges of the High Court.
This call comes barely a month following the recent passing on of the senior judge at the Northern Division of the High Court in Leribe Judge Hopolang Nathane who passed on last month.
It is expected that one of the judges will replace Judge Nathane, currently Judge Gugu Mokhoro is manning the Northern Division of the High Court alone.
This court serves the three northern districts including Leribe, Butha-Buthe and Mokhotlong.
“The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) invites individual applications and nominations by members of the public and non-profit organizations for candidates to fill (3) three vacancies of Puisine Judges of the High Court of Lesotho,” reads the JSC advert.
Currently, there are 15 judges of the High Court including the Chief Justice Sakoane Sakoane. They are Judge Tšeliso Monapathi, Judge ‘Maseforo Mahase, Judge Molefi Makara, Judge Kekeletso Moahloli, Judge Moroke Mokhesi, Judge Polo Banyane, Judge Realeboha Mathaba, Judge Fumane Khabo, Judge ‘Maliepollo Makhetha, Judge Mokhoro, Judge ‘Mafelile Ralebese, Judge Moneuoa Kopo, Judge Tšeliso Mokoko and Judge ‘Mabatšoeneng Hlaele.
The High Court is divided into the following divisions – the High Court MAIN Division; Land Court; High Court Northern Division; Labour Appeal Court; and the High Court Commercial Division.
The incoming judges are expected to help address the backlog of cases and ensure speedy dispensation of justice for the nation.
The Secretary of the JSC Advocate ‘Mathato Sekoai shows that the names of the applicants’ process nominees will be published once received and that there will be a time to allow objections to the candidates.
According to the advert, qualifying candidates based on qualifications, experience and background will be subjected to psychometric assessment.
This marks the third occurrence where judges have been required to re-apply for their positions.
Since 2021, judges have been required to apply for positions on the bench and undergo public interviews. Prior to this change, the JSC would recommend a candidate to His Majesty the King to appoint.
The nominations and applications close on June 21st next month.