Maseru Senior Resident Magistrate Peter Celestine Murenzi has been compelled to retire following findings of misconduct stemming from his handling of criminal cases.
The decision follows an inquiry led by High Court Judge Realeboha Mathaba, which investigated the circumstances surrounding the release of two inmates from Maseru Central Correctional Institution (MCCI) under what were described as “suspicious circumstances.”
This week, High Court Registrar advocate ’Mathato Sekoai confirmed Murenzi’s removal in a circular, noting that cases previously handled by him would have to start afresh.
In his findings, Judge Mathaba concluded that Murenzi had brought the Judiciary and the public service into disrepute.
“His image has been dented. Consequently, his actions have rendered him incapable of fulfilling his judicial functions, whose fulfillment depends on public trust,” the report states.
Murenzi faced three misconduct charges.
Count One relates to an incident on 21 January 2025, where he allegedly contravened the Codes of Good Practice by bringing the public service into disrepute. He is accused of allocating to himself a case—CR/T/0663/2024 (Rex vs Moeketsi Rantheba and Hei Nketsi)—without following proper procedures.
The inquiry found that Murenzi handled the matter using only a warrant of commitment (commonly referred to as a “Blue Form”) and outside the established magistrates’ duty roster for remand proceedings. On the same day, Magistrate Tšoanelo ’Nyai was officially assigned to conduct remand court at the correctional facility.
Murenzi is further accused of conducting the remand in the absence of a clerk of court, prosecutor, the accused persons, and their legal representatives.
Count Two concerns the same date, where Murenzi allegedly disregarded Section 4 of the Subordinate Courts Order by presiding over a matter not assigned to him. He granted bail to Rantheba and Nketsi despite bail having previously been denied by Magistrate Itumeleng Letsika in October 2024.
The two accused were facing murder charges in connection with the killing of media personality Ralikonelo “Leqhashasha” Joki, who was shot dead in May 2023 after hosting his radio programme.
Count Three relates to a separate incident on 12 December 2024, where Murenzi is accused of again presiding over an unassigned matter and granting bail to Lebajoa, Molahlehi, and Retšelisitsoe Mpeke. Bail had earlier been denied in the same case, which was already under appeal before the High Court.
The inquiry commenced on 20 May 2025 in terms of Rule 26 of the Judicial Service Commission Rules of 1994 and concluded on 1 July 2025, followed by oral submissions.
Evidence presented showed that proper remand procedures were not followed.
Central Chief Magistrate ’Mantankiso Nthunya testified that she was on leave during the week in question and that, according to the duty roster, Magistrates ’Nyai and Nkhethoa Molapo were assigned to handle remand proceedings.
Prosecutor Motiki told the inquiry that correctional officers retrieved Blue Forms from the court registry and later discovered that the accused persons had already been released. One was re-arrested the same day, while the other was apprehended the following day.
Motiki emphasised that prosecutors play a mandatory role during remand proceedings and confirmed that the remand court cannot sit in their absence.
Court clerk Lineo Thulo testified that remand proceedings are conducted on Tuesdays and require prior reconciliation of court records with Blue Forms from the Lesotho Correctional Service. She further stated that the accused persons were not present during the remand conducted by Murenzi.
The inquiry also established that case allocation is handled by clerks of court and recorded in an allocation book. Judge Mathaba found that the case in question had not been assigned to Murenzi at the time he handled it.
In his defence, Murenzi argued that it was not unusual for correctional officers to bring Blue Forms directly to a magistrate. However, he failed to provide a satisfactory explanation for proceeding without a prosecutor or confirming the presence of the accused.
The adjudicator found his explanations inadequate, describing them as “superficial” and failing to address the core issues.
“Most of the facts giving rise to this inquiry are not contentious,” the report states. “What is clear is that the case was not allocated to Mr Murenzi at the time he remanded the inmates.”
Despite acknowledging Murenzi’s long and previously unblemished service, Judge Mathaba found the misconduct serious enough to warrant removal.
“It is my considered view that Mr Murenzi must be compulsorily retired from the Judiciary,” the report reads, citing Rule 27(1)(ii) of the Judicial Service Commission Rules.
The Judicial Service Commission adopted the recommendation, resulting in Murenzi’s compulsory retirement. He will, however, retain his pension and benefits.
Summary
- The inquiry found that Murenzi handled the matter using only a warrant of commitment (commonly referred to as a “Blue Form”) and outside the established magistrates’ duty roster for remand proceedings.
- Murenzi is further accused of conducting the remand in the absence of a clerk of court, prosecutor, the accused persons, and their legal representatives.
- Central Chief Magistrate ‘Mantankiso Nthunya testified that she was on leave during the week in question and that, according to the duty roster, Magistrates ‘Nyai and Nkhethoa Molapo were assigned to handle remand proceedings.
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.
