By Poloko Mokhele
In a move to reduce the high cases backlog at the High Court, two acting judges were sworn in on Monday to preside over criminal related cases.
The sworn in ceremony of retired Justice Semapo Peete and Attorney Tŝabo Matooane was presided over by Chief Justice Sakoane Sakoane. The two judges will be joined by a third judge who is expected to be revealed soon. Their appointment comes after the Judicial Service Commission (JSC)’s advice to King Letsie III.
Announcing their appointment last week, the judiciary information office indicated that: “as part of decreasing the huge criminal cases backlog, the High Court has made a plan to hear thirty five cases from Monday, 7th February to 29th April this year. Under this plan, three judges are expected to preside over these cases for three months.”
Justice Peete retired from the bench in July 2020, leaving the High Court with seven judges, Chief Justice Sakoane, Justices Polo Banyane, ‘Maseforo Mahase, Tŝeliso Monaphathi, Molefi Makara, Moroke Mokhesi, Keketso Moahloli. Justices ‘Malebona Khabo and Realeboha Mathata were appointed in October last year, bringing the total number of judges to nine.
Attorney Matooane is a prominent lawyer who has been practicing at his law firm T. Matooane and Company from 1997 to date. He specialises in litigation both civil and criminal in all the courts of Lesotho especially commercial cases.
Meanwhile, at its 219th meeting held on the 3rd February 2022, the JSC considered applications and nominations of 18 candidates to fill eight vacancies of judges of the High Court.
