Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Advocate Hlalefang Motinyane has been suspended from office in terms of Section 141(7) of the Constitution of Lesotho, pending the outcome of a tribunal inquiry into her fitness to hold office.
According to a letter from the Public Service Commission (PSC) dated 7 October 2025, the suspension is precautionary and not punitive, aimed at safeguarding the integrity of investigations and preventing possible interference with witnesses or evidence. The PSC emphasized that Advocate Motinyane will continue to receive her full salary and benefits during the suspension.
The decision follows the publication of two Legal Notices in the Government Gazette:
• Legal Notice No. 137 of 2025, which formally appoints a Tribunal under Section 141(6) of the Constitution, and
• Legal Notice No. 141 of 2025, which suspends Advocate Motinyane from exercising her functions as DPP.
The Tribunal, constituted by foreigners, appointed by King Letsie III on the advice of the Prime Minister, will be chaired by Justice Thomas Sibusiso Masuku, with Justice Ivy Chatha Kamanga and Justice Latifa Mansoor as members.
The Tribunal’s mandate is to investigate, inquire, and determine whether Advocate Motinyane ought to be removed from office and to submit its findings and recommendations to the King within eight weeks of commencement.
The establishment of the Tribunal and subsequent suspension mark a significant constitutional development, following months of legal and political tension surrounding the Office of the DPP.
