Leader of the opposition Basotho National Party (BNP), Machesetsa Mofomobe, has called for the arrest of Finance and Development Planning Minister Dr Retšelisitsoe Matlanyane and Trade, Industry and Business Development Minister Mokhethi Shelile for allegedly violating financial laws.
Speaking at a joint opposition press conference on Wednesday, Mofomobe challenged fellow opposition leaders to open a criminal case against the two ministers, accusing them of failing to table critical audit reports in Parliament within the seven days required by law.
According to the Audit Act of 2016: “The Auditor-General shall submit a report on the consolidated financial statements… to the Minister responsible for finance, who shall, not later than seven days after the first meeting of each House of Parliament, table the report.”
The Constitution of Lesotho further provides that the Auditor-General must, at least once every year, audit and report on the public accounts of government, the accounts of all officers, authorities, courts, constitutional commissions, and the Clerk of each House of Parliament. It directs that such reports be submitted to the Minister of Finance, who must lay them before Parliament within seven days of receipt.
“The Auditor-General shall submit every report made by him in pursuance of subsection (2) to the Minister for the time being responsible for finance who shall, not later than seven days after each House of Parliament first meets after he has received the report, lay it before that House,” it reads.
However, neither the Constitution nor the Audit Act sets out penalties for failing to comply.
Mofomobe this week claimed Minister Shelile failed to submit the audit report for the Lesotho National Development Corporation (LNDC), while Finance Minister Matlanyane has yet to present the 2022/2023 government audit report, despite reportedly receiving it in May.
Before Parliament adjourned for the independence break, Chair of Chairs Mokhothu Makhalanyane raised a point of order, warning that the delay makes it impossible for portfolio committees to scrutinise the report as mandated.
The 2022/2023 report is significant as it is the first audit of the Matekane administration’s financial performance since it assumed office on October 28, 2022. Once tabled, such reports are referred to the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), which examines public spending and summons officials implicated in misuse of funds.
Mofomobe, a former minister, escalated his criticism by accusing the current government of being “good at stealing,” suggesting entrenched corruption and mismanagement.
His attack was echoed by United Africans Transformation (UAT) leader Dr Mahali Phamotse, a defector from the ruling Revolution for Prosperity (RFP), who accused ministers of being “perpetual liars” in Parliament and displaying “pomposity.” She argued that the government has abandoned its campaign promise of meritocracy.
Main opposition leader Mathibeli Mokhothu also voiced concern, blasting the government for attempting to table the Supplementary Appropriation Bill for 2024/2025 unlawfully. He argued that the bill, covering the government’s use of M3.4 billion, should have been presented in the previous financial year to allow scrutiny.
Mofomobe vowed to intensify pressure, warning that opposition parties had been “too soft” on the government.
Attempts to obtain comment from the Auditor-General’s office were unsuccessful at the time of going to press.
Summary
- “The Auditor-General shall submit a report on the consolidated financial statements… to the Minister responsible for finance, who shall, not later than seven days after the first meeting of each House of Parliament, table the report.
- The Constitution of Lesotho further provides that the Auditor-General must, at least once every year, audit and report on the public accounts of government, the accounts of all officers, authorities, courts, constitutional commissions, and the Clerk of each House of Parliament.
- “The Auditor-General shall submit every report made by him in pursuance of subsection (2) to the Minister for the time being responsible for finance who shall, not later than seven days after each House of Parliament first meets after he has received the report, lay it before that House,” it reads.
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.
