Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Lesotho Times
Published on 2024-04-10 23:47:53
The Court of Appeal has resumed physical sittings for the first time since the Covid-19 pandemic began. This marks a significant moment as they convene for their first session of 2024, with Chief Justice Sakoane Sakoane joining the bench to expedite cases. The current bench includes President Kananelo Mosito and Justices from Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa.
During this session, they are set to hear 36 cases that will continue until April 18, 2024, with judgments expected in May. Justice Mosito highlighted the importance of strengthening digital infrastructure for remote hearings due to scarce resources. He noted that the digital transformation in 2020 allowed the Court of Appeal to function effectively, extending access to justice beyond traditional court settings.
The need for capacity building in technology for judges, court staff, and legal professionals was emphasized by Justice Mosito. He stressed the importance of training in legal research and technological reasoning to enhance the efficiency of the justice system. The aim is to ensure timely delivery of judgments and streamline legal processes even after the pandemic.
Furthermore, Justice Mosito urged legal practitioners to adhere to court rules and processes to avoid unnecessary delays caused by procedural issues. The Law Society of Lesotho president, Lintle Tuke, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the core principles of fairness, integrity, and commitment to the rule of law within the legal profession.
Advocate Tuke highlighted the importance of developing frameworks for reporting Court of Appeal decisions in an era of transparency and accountability. Clear documentation and dissemination of rulings are crucial for ensuring consistency in jurisprudence and empowering the legal community and the public with insights into the judicial system.
Some notable cases in this session include the challenges by Mahlomola Manyokole, seeking to have corruption charges dropped, Lebohang Thotanyana challenging his expulsion from the Basotho Action Party, and Rethabile Setlojoane contesting the police’s decision to charge him with his client for allegedly receiving stolen funds.
Overall, the physical sitting of the Court of Appeal signifies a commitment to enhancing access to justice through technology and capacity building. The session aims to address key legal challenges while upholding the core principles of the profession and ensuring transparency in the reporting of court decisions.
Read the original article on Lesotho Times
