Mapuleng Montši has found herself at the centre of a scandal over allegations of accepting “thank you” payments linked to job placements at the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Prosecutors allege that Montši unlawfully received M70,155 between October 2017 and April 2018 in exchange for facilitating employment for individuals.
She faces charges of bribery under the Prevention of Corruption and Economic Offences Act No.5 of 1999, as amended, and money laundering under the Money Laundering and Proceeds of Crime Act, No.4 of 2008, as amended.
During cross-examination, the 53-year-old accused denied receiving bribes, claiming instead that she had borrowed money from some of the individuals involved. She also challenged testimony from a Vodacom Lesotho officer who stated that M-Pesa was the channel through which she allegedly received the payments.
Montši admitted to forwarding the names of ten job seekers to the Home Affairs Director of Human Resources, ‘Mamphuthi Mathetsa, who subsequently arranged their employment. She noted that at the time, she was employed at the Lesotho Electricity Company (LEC).
When questioned by Advocate Rathithi of the Directorate on Corruption and Economic Offences (DCEO) about why the people she helped were not supporting her in court, Montši said: “I am surprised. I don’t know why I am being implicated; I don’t know who is behind all this.”
One witness, Motšoane Motebang, whom Montši claimed to have helped, testified that he had never given her money. While Montši described him as “just a friend,” Motebang told the court they had a romantic relationship.
Two other witnesses, who said they are churchgoers with Montši, confirmed she had assisted them in securing jobs. Montši, however, denied knowing them. She attributed inconsistencies in her previous court statements to “misunderstanding and miscommunication,” asking the court to consider her testimony on Thursday.
Montši also distanced herself from another witness, Motake Tšehlana, stating he obtained employment through political connections and his proximity to the then Principal Secretary at Home Affairs, noting that Tšehlana’s mother was a prominent figure in the ruling party.
She is represented by Advocate K. Monate, with Magistrate Thamae Thamae presiding. The case continues.
Summary
- Mapuleng Montši has found herself at the centre of a scandal over allegations of accepting “thank you” payments linked to job placements at the Ministry of Home Affairs.
- When questioned by Advocate Rathithi of the Directorate on Corruption and Economic Offences (DCEO) about why the people she helped were not supporting her in court, Montši said.
- Montši also distanced herself from another witness, Motake Tšehlana, stating he obtained employment through political connections and his proximity to the then Principal Secretary at Home Affairs, noting that Tšehlana’s mother was a prominent figure in the ruling party.
Thoboloko Ntšonyane is a dedicated journalist who has contributed to various publications. He focuses on parliament, climate change, human rights, sexual and reproductive health rights (SRHR), health, business and court reports. His work inspires change, triggers dialogue and also promote transparency in a society.
