By Thoboloko Ntšonyane

MASERU – The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has recommended Dr Itumeleng ‘Mamokhali Shale to the King for appointment as a High Court judge, following her successful performance of the judge position interviews held on August 12. This is according to the memo from the Judiciary.

She will be sworn in as the judge at the Royal Palace on Thursday, October 10.

Dr Shale competed for the position alongside two other candidates, Resident Magistrates, Palesa Rantara and Motlatsi Kolisang.

Her appointment is historic, as she becomes the first woman with a Doctor of Laws (LLD) to be appointed to the bench.

She brings a wealth of legal experience to the bench, having published in both local and international academic journals. She is a law lecturer at the National University of Lesotho (NUL). In addition to her academic achievements, she is a human rights advocate, a legal scholar and, a practicing lawyer.

Since joining the university in 2006, the soon to be High Court judge has taught several procedural courses, including Criminal Procedure and Interpretation of Statutes. As an expert in human rights, she has published extensively on the subject. She teaches human rights, gender, and international humanitarian law at both undergraduate and Master’s levels, and also leads research methods courses for Master’s students.

This newly appointed judge boasts 20 years of experience in the legal profession.

During the interview for this position, Dr Shale highlighted fairness as a key trait judges should possess. She explained that in her role as a lecturer, she has always maintained impartiality when teaching, assessing, and examining students. She shared an example from her time as acting Head of Department at the Faculty of Law at NUL, where she recommended a written warning for a colleague who had taken unauthorized leave but ensured his students were not disadvantaged.

She is expected to help reduce the backlog of cases in the High Court and ensure the speedy delivery of justice.

Shale has previously withdrawn from the judgeship race but was earlier this year nominated for the position and she accepted.

The High Court is organized into several divisions including the High Court Main Division, the Land Court, the High Court Northern Division, the Labour Appeal Court, and the High Court Commercial Division.

The High Court lost two judges this year, Judge Hopolang Nathane passed on following the illness, while Judge Tšeliso Monapathi retired.

Currently, the High Court comprises 14 judges – Chief Justice Sakoane Sakoane, 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 ‘Makamopong Mokhoro, Judge ‘Mafelile Ralebese, Judge Moneuoa Kopo, Judge Tšeliso Mokoko, and Judge ‘Mabatšoeneng Hlaele.