JOALE condemns death threats against Mohale’s Hoek magistrate 

…calls for urgent action to protect judicial officers 

Hopolang Mokhopi 

THE Judicial Officers Association of Lesotho (JOALE) has strongly condemned the death threats made against Mohale’s Hoek Magistrate Relebohile Khongoane, warning that intimidation of judicial officers threatens the very foundation of the country’s justice system. 

The association’s statement follows last week’s incident in which Magistrate Khongoane reportedly discovered a handwritten death threat in her office, renewing concerns over the poor security and working conditions faced by magistrates across the country. 

JOALE, which represents magistrates nationwide, said in a statement this week that it had noted “with grave concern and outright condemnation” the threats directed at one of its members. 

The association said the incident was not isolated but reflected a broader and longstanding pattern of intimidation faced by magistrates while carrying out their judicial duties. 

“Past reports in possession of the association indicate individual magistrates having been subjected to threats of violence and death in connection with the execution of their judicial functions,” JOALE said. 

The warning comes amid growing concerns within the Judiciary over magistrates’ safety. Judicial officers have long complained about inadequate security, lack of official transport and accommodation, and being forced to rely on public transport despite regularly presiding over cases involving dangerous criminals. 

JOALE said the security of judicial officers was inseparable from judicial independence, which is guaranteed under Section 118 of the Constitution. 

“Threats of violence and death, and intimidation against judicial officers, therefore, fundamentally strike at the very heart of the rule of law and the independence of the Judiciary,” the association said. 

It stressed that magistrates must be allowed to adjudicate cases “without fear, favour, or interference” in accordance with their Oath of Office and the Bangalore Principles of Judicial Conduct. 

The association urged the Lesotho Mounted Police Service (LMPS) and other relevant authorities to investigate the threats as a matter of urgency and provide adequate protection to the affected judicial officer and court premises. 

It also called on the Judicial Service Commission, which has a constitutional responsibility for the welfare and security of magistrates, to urgently investigate the security challenges facing judicial officers and implement measures to improve their safety. 

Further, JOALE appealed to the government to fulfil its constitutional obligation to adequately fund the Judiciary, arguing that insufficient resources continue to expose magistrates to unnecessary risks. 

“Fear remains the biggest barrier to the effective delivery of justice,” the association said. 

The latest incident has reignited long-standing concerns within the Judiciary. Immediately after Magistrate Khongoane’s incident, magistrates told this publication they continued to work under dangerous conditions without permanent security, official residences or transport despite repeatedly raising their concerns with the Judiciary’s leadership. They also cited previous incidents in which magistrates were allegedly evicted by landlords after sentencing relatives, forced out of taxis by disgruntled drivers, and subjected to death threats requiring police protection. 

Responding to those concerns, Judiciary spokesperson ‘Mabohlokoa Mapikitla said the Judiciary was fully aware of the challenges affecting magistrates’ working conditions. She said the issues were raised during the recent Judges and Magistrates Colloquium, where Chief Justice Sakoane Sakoane appealed to Law and Justice Minister Richard Ramoeletsi to intervene and improve magistrates’ security and welfare. She added that the Chief Justice reiterated the matter during the National Dialogue and Accountability Summit held a fortnight ago. 

JOALE also appealed to Basotho to respect the judicial process, reminding litigants that the law provides avenues such as appeals and reviews for those dissatisfied with court decisions. 

“The association urges litigants and others affected by court decisions to utilise their legal channels to address their respective disagreements with court decisions, rather than resorting to illegal means, threats of violence, or death,” it said. 

JOALE reaffirmed its commitment to the effective administration of justice and expressed its full solidarity with Magistrate Khongoane and her family. 

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