Maseru
Lesotho Tribune has been reliably informed that former Director of Elections at the Independent Electoral Commission, Adv. Mphaiphele Maqutu, his former secretary Joalane Mavuso and former IEC Finance Manager ’Mabatho Sesoane are expected to appear in court this week on charges linked to alleged corruption surrounding an IEC tender.
According to sources familiar with the matter, the trio’s fingerprints were taken earlier this week as part of the formal charging process. A police source, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they are not authorised to brief the media, confirmed that charges are imminent.
“Their fingerprints were taken this week and they will be charged this week,” the source said.
The anticipated court appearance comes just weeks after Adv. Maqutu tendered his resignation from the electoral body. His resignation was submitted barely a day after the newly appointed IEC commissioners formally assumed office.
The current Commission is chaired by Reverend Dr John Maphephe, with Pontšo Mamatlere Matete and Dr Chelete Monyane serving as members.
Although Adv. Maqutu resigned two weeks ago, he remains in office on notice and is expected to serve until 2 March 2026.
Sources close to developments within the IEC say his abrupt departure followed a tense engagement with the newly appointed commissioners during their first official meeting with executive management. That meeting reportedly focused on scrutinising key management and administrative decisions taken under his leadership.
Among the issues said to have been raised were the employment of more than 20 temporary staff members, what were described as questionable redeployments, alleged suspensions of permanent heads of department without adherence to due process, and alleged procurement irregularities.
It is not yet clear whether the corruption charges expected this week relate directly to the procurement concerns raised by the commissioners or to separate findings arising from an ongoing investigation.
The IEC has not yet issued an official statement on the matter. Efforts to obtain comment from Adv. Maqutu and the other officials named were unsuccessful at the time of publication.
The developments place the country’s electoral body under renewed scrutiny at a time when institutional integrity and public confidence in governance systems remain under sharp public focus.
If formally charged, the case is likely to test both the internal oversight mechanisms of the IEC and the broader accountability framework governing public procurement processes.
Former IEC Director Mphaiphele Maqutu to Face Corruption Charges in Lesotho Court
