Maseru – The Lesotho Electricity Company (LEC) has once again extended the suspension of a senior employee as delays continue to plague the forensic audit commissioned by the company’s Board earlier this year.
In a formal communication signed by Acting Managing Director Ntsie N. Maphathe, dated 10 July 2025, the employee—whose identity Lesotho Tribune has chosen to withhold due to the sensitivity of the matter—was informed that their suspension will now continue until 11 September 2025, unless the audit is completed earlier.
“The forensic audit is still in progress and it will not be possible to finalize it by the initially anticipated date,” the letter reads, referencing earlier correspondence dated 12 March and 10 June 2025, which originally confirmed and extended the suspension.
“The Board remains committed to ensuring that all due processes are observed in a manner that is both fair and impartial.”
Despite the stated commitment to due process, this marks the second extension of both the suspension and the forensic audit, prompting public speculation and raising concerns about the efficiency and competence of the auditing firm involved.
Although LEC has not officially disclosed the identity of the audit firm, Lesotho Tribune has learned through unconfirmed sources that KPMG was selected to carry out the forensic investigation. Questions directed by Lesotho Tribune to the Office of the Auditor General—particularly regarding the scope and oversight of the forensic audit—remain unanswered at the time of publication.
The repeated delays are likely to reignite debate over governance and transparency within state-owned enterprises, especially given that forensic audits are typically commissioned in response to allegations of serious misconduct, financial irregularities, or operational failures.
Stakeholders in the energy sector and public accountability advocates have expressed concern that the continued extensions without clear timelines or public disclosures undermine the credibility of the audit process. A governance expert familiar with parastatal oversight, who asked not to be named, stated:
“If this is indeed KPMG, we are not questioning their global reputation—but rather the clarity of the terms of reference, and the level of institutional cooperation that has been given. When an audit drags on this long without transparency, it fuels suspicion rather than confidence.”
The case also reflects poorly on internal controls within LEC and raises the stakes for the Board, which may find itself under scrutiny if the audit eventually reveals mismanagement or if it fails to meet the expectations of the public and regulators.
As the country grapples with ongoing energy challenges, the need for a well-managed, transparent, and accountable LEC is more critical than ever. The outcome of this forensic audit—and how the company communicates it—will likely set a precedent for other state-owned entities under similar scrutiny.
Lesotho Tribune will continue to monitor this developing story and provide updates as more information becomes available.
