Three shortlisted for judgeship

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Morosi Zian

Resident Magistrates Palesa Rantara and Motlatsi Kolisang?yes?On August 15, 2024, he will be one of three candidates to be interviewed for three vacant judgeships in the High Court.

They will be joined by the Head of the Department of Litigation and Adjective Law at the National University of Lesotho (NUL), Itumeleng ‘Mamokhali Shale.

The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) selected three finalists from 21 applicants at its meeting last Sunday.

Justices Rantala and Kolisan, both of whom were unsuccessful previously, are trying again to join the High Court. It is worth noting that Justice Rantala has experience in the High Court, having served as an acting judge during the three-month criminal trial from February to April 2022.

The move to appoint new judges follows the tragic death of Justice Hopeloang Nathane from cancer at a Bloemfontein hospital on April 23, 2024. The High Court currently consists of 13 judges based in Maseru and one judge based in Leribe, with Justice Makampong Mokhoro remaining the only judge in Leribe following the death of Justice Nathane.

Judiciary spokesperson Mabohlokoa Mapikitla confirmed the shortlist but said candidates still had to pass interviews before being appointed.

“Being shortlisted does not guarantee that they will be hired. They still have to go through an interview process which will determine their suitability. If they are not shortlisted, the vacant position will be advertised again,” Ms Mapikitla said.

Ms Mapikitla noted that the Central Chief Judge Matankiso Nthunya and several other judges, including Thamae Thamae, Peter Murenzi, Tšeliso Bale, Monyake Hlabanyane, Molemo Monethi and Itumeleng Ralebese, were unable to take up the bench this time because of the code of ethics for new judges as part of the eligibility requirements.

“Just because someone passed the interview last time doesn’t mean they automatically pass again. The new Code of Ethics for Judges, which was released last month (June), sets out the requirements for applicants. Those who didn’t pass this time likely didn’t meet those new standards,” she explained.

Other notable applicants who failed to make the cut include High Court and Court of Appeal Registrar Adv ‘Mathato Sekoai, Ombudsman Adv Tlotliso Polaki, Directorate of Dispute Prevention and Resolution (DDPR) arbitrator Adv Ratsolo Thulo and former deputy attorney general Adv Tsebang Putsoa. ​​NUL assistant registrar Adv Rasetla Mofoka, attorneys at the Attorney General’s Chambers Thomas Thakalekoala, Karabo Mohau KC, Sekake Malebanye KC, Mapitso Marethabile Leseeo Rantja and Vusimuzi Patrick Tšenoli also failed to make the cut.

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