The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has announced eight vacancies for Puisne Judges of the High Court of Lesotho, as the judiciary continues to grapple with a shortage of judges and a persistent backlog of cases.
The announcement, issued by the JSC Secretary, who is also Registrar of the High Court, Advocate ’Mathato Sekoai, invites applications and nominations from members of the public and non-profit organisations for candidates of “high moral character and integrity”.
The eight successful candidates will be appointed across the three divisions of the High Court. Five will serve in the Main Division in Maseru, two in the Northern Division in Leribe and one in the Southern Division in Mohale’s Hoek.
Once appointed and sworn in, the judges are expected to strengthen the judiciary’s capacity and support the courts’ efforts to expedite the hearing and determination of cases pending before them.
Judges perform the core judicial function of exercising the judicial power vested in the courts of Lesotho. The Constitution provides that “judicial power shall vest in the courts of Lesotho” and that the courts shall include the Court of Appeal and the High Court, among others.
Members of the public and institutions may nominate potential candidates for the vacancies. Once the names of applicants and nominees are published, members of the public and institutions will also have an opportunity to lodge objections for consideration by the JSC.
Since 2021, candidates for judicial posts have been required to apply for positions and undergo public interviews as part of a competitive appointment process. Previously, the JSC would recommend candidates to His Majesty the King for appointment to the bench.
There are currently 13 substantive judges serving on the High Court, including Chief Justice Sakoane Sakoane. They are Judges Molefi Makara, Moroke Mokhesi, Polo Banyane, Realeboha Mathaba, Fumane Khabo, ’Maliepollo Makhetha, ’Makampong Mokhoro, ’Mafelile Ralebese, Moneuoa Kopo, Tšeliso Mokoko, ’Mabatšoeneng Hlaele and Itumeleng Shale.
Judge ’Maseforo Mahase remains suspended and is engaged in a protracted legal battle concerning her position.
In an effort to address the persistent case backlog and shortage of judges, Chief Justice Sakoane appointed five legal practitioners and judicial officers in September 2025 to serve in an acting capacity. They are Advocate Tsebang Putsoane, Senior Resident Magistrate Palesa Rantara, Senior Resident Magistrate ’Manapo Motebele, Advocate Tšooana Lesaoana and Sekake Malebanye KC.
Applications and nominations must reach the JSC by September 18.
The interviews will be held from November 4 to 5 and will be conducted publicly and broadcast live across different media platforms. Following the interviews, the JSC will forward its recommendations to His Majesty the King for consideration and appointment.
The recruitment comes against the backdrop of a significant caseload across the High Court divisions.
During the opening of the judicial year earlier this year, Chief Justice Sakoane stressed the importance of judicial independence, saying: “Judicial independence and accountability are non-negotiable.”
He said judges must be able to determine cases free from political pressure, economic influence and popular sentiment.
Reporting on the performance of the courts during the previous year, Sakoane said the High Court Main Division registered 1,474 cases, with 563 in allocation and 1,090 completed.
The Labour Appeal Court registered 47 cases, with 31 allocated and 33 completed.
The Commercial Division registered 612 cases, with 112 allocated and 718 completed, while the Northern Division registered 525 cases, with 84 in allocation and 293 completed.
Across the courts covered in the report, 2,704 cases were registered, 810 were in allocation and 2,139 were completed.
Sakoane said the efficiency of the courts should be measured by their ability to handle cases within a reasonable time without compromising fairness or the quality of justice.
“Cases that are managed well take relatively shorter time to dispose of,” he said, adding that the time taken to deliver rulings and judgments is an important indicator of effective or ineffective case management.
Summary
- The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has announced eight vacancies for Puisne Judges of the High Court of Lesotho, as the judiciary continues to grapple with a shortage of judges and a persistent backlog of cases.
- The announcement, issued by the JSC Secretary, who is also Registrar of the High Court, Advocate ‘Mathato Sekoai, invites applications and nominations from members of the public and non-profit organisations for candidates of “high moral character and integrity”.
- In an effort to address the persistent case backlog and shortage of judges, Chief Justice Sakoane appointed five legal practitioners and judicial officers in September 2025 to serve in an acting capacity.
Thoboloko Ntšonyane is a dedicated journalist who has contributed to various publications. He reports on accountability, human rights, exposes corruption and wrong doing by those in power. He reports have exposed corruption, abuse of power, fraud, misconduct and negligence. He subscribes to evidence-based reporting. He reports on governance, parliament, courts, climate change, human rights, sexual and reproductive health rights (SRHR), health, business and agriculture. He gives a voice to the marginalised while also demanding accountability. His work inspires change, triggers dialogue and also promote transparency in a society.
