Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Lesotho Times
Published on 2024-04-10 23:47:53
The Court of Appeal in Lesotho is holding its first physical sitting since the Covid-19 pandemic began. The last in-person session was in October 2019, and it has now resumed this format with its first session of 2024. Chief Justice Sakoane Sakoane has joined the bench to expedite cases, along with President Kananelo Mosito and Justices from Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa.
During this session, the six judges will hear 36 cases until April 18th, 2024, with judgments expected in May. Justice Mosito, speaking at the opening session, stressed the need for the judiciary to enhance its digital infrastructure for remote hearings as resources are dwindling. He highlighted the benefits of the digital transformation that occurred in 2020, allowing for continued court functions through remote hearings.
Justice Mosito emphasized the importance of technological training for judges, court staff, and legal professionals to ensure efficient and accessible case processing. He mentioned the necessity to adapt to remote operations even after the pandemic, as resources for physical court buildings are becoming scarce.
He also encouraged adherence to court rules and processes to prevent time wastage due to unnecessary disputes. The President of the Law Society of Lesotho, Lintle Tuke, urged lawyers to uphold core professional principles such as fairness, integrity, and commitment to the rule of law.
Advocate Tuke underscored the significance of developing frameworks for reporting Court of Appeal decisions to ensure transparency, accountability, and consistency in jurisprudence. He emphasized the need for clear paths for documenting and disseminating rulings to empower the legal community and the public with insights into the judicial system’s workings.
Some notable cases in this session include former DCEO director general Mahlomola Manyokole seeking to have corruption charges dropped, BAP former secretary general challenging his party expulsion, and lawyer Rethabile Setlojoane contesting a police decision to charge him alongside his fraud accused client.
The Court of Appeal’s physical sitting marks a significant moment in the legal calendar and calls for reflection, adaptation, and a commitment to enhancing access to justice. The session aims to hear cases efficiently and deliver timely judgments, emphasizing the importance of technological advancements in the legal profession for a fair, efficient, and accessible justice system.
Read the original article on Lesotho Times
