MASERU - The judiciary is concerned over an incident in which one of its members - a magistrate, was recently questioned by police in connection with a case he presided over involving the First Lady who faces murder charges.
news
March 4, 2020
KABELO MASOABI
1 min read
Magistrates unhappy with police conduct
Chief Magistrate 'Matankiso Nthunya
On behalf of the judiciary, Chief Magistrate ’Matankiso Nthunya said the police conduct was irregular as judicial officers enjoy some level of immunity and can therefore not be subjected to any form of questioning for handling a case.
“The police can only seek clarification from the court about a decision made in any matter and there are proper ways to go about that,” she said.
Nthunya said fuming Magistrates met the Acting Chief Justice this week to discuss how Police Commissioner Holomo Molibeli along with his deputy, DCP Paseka Mokete, could be advised to respect the judiciary functions and decisions.
Police Commissioner Holomo Molibeli
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The judiciary was referring to a matter in the First Lady ’Maesaiah Thabane was about three weeks ago released on a M1 000 bail, after she was charged with the murder of the Prime Minister’s estranged wife, Lipolelo.
Senior Resident Magistrate Phethise Motanyane was summoned to the police headquarters for questioning after ’Maesaiah’s release.
’Maesaiah who faces the same charges as her husband Prime Minister Motsoahae Thabane is also accused of the attempted murder of Lipolelo’s friend Thato Sibolla.
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