Courts · Justice
The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions has signed a formal agreement with Women and Law in Southern Africa to coordinate criminal case handling in five districts. Since 2024, WLSA has recorded 1,832 abuse-related cases in those areas. Nearly 500 required prosecution.
Tholoana Lesenya
The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Women and Law in Southern Africa, formalising a working relationship between the two institutions in the handling of criminal cases involving women and vulnerable groups across five districts.
The agreement was signed at a ceremony in Maseru this week. It covers districts where WLSA currently runs programmes: Thaba-Tseka, Mokhotlong, Quthing, Qacha’s Nek and Leribe.
The MOU sets out a framework for communication, coordination and referrals between the two institutions. Its stated purpose is to ensure that victims and survivors of abuse receive legal support and do not lose assistance as cases move through the courts.
The caseload
Statistics presented at the signing ceremony showed that WLSA has recorded 1,832 abuse-related cases across the five target districts since its project launched in 2024 with financial support from the Global Fund. Of those, 488 were criminal cases that required legal intervention and prosecution.
Stakeholders at the event noted that many survivors continue to face barriers when seeking justice, including limited access to legal services, fear of reporting offences and delays within the court system.
“The signing of this Memorandum of Understanding is not only about formalising cooperation but also about improving access to justice for those who have suffered abuse and violence. It is our responsibility to ensure that victims are supported and that justice is delivered effectively.”— Acting Director of Public Prosecutions, Advocate Lehlanako Mofilikoane
What the DPP said
Acting Director of Public Prosecutions Advocate Lehlanako Mofilikoane said the agreement would close communication gaps between prosecutors and WLSA and allow both institutions to handle criminal matters more effectively. She said the DPP’s office recognises gender-related challenges and is committed to addressing them in line with the objectives of the National Strategic Development Plan.
She said WLSA’s track record in advocating for the rights of women and girls and providing legal support made it a natural institutional partner for the DPP.
What WLSA said
WLSA’s Vice Chairperson of the Board, Advocate Jobo Raswoko, said the agreement had been long anticipated and reflected a shared commitment to advancing justice and protecting the rights of women and girls across Lesotho. He said formalising the relationship would create a structured framework for cooperation and ensure that victims are not left without legal support during court proceedings.
“This agreement represents our collective commitment to ensuring that women and girls are protected and that the rule of law is strengthened through effective cooperation,” he said.
MOU at a glance
| Detail | Note |
|---|---|
| Parties | Office of the DPP & Women and Law in Southern Africa (WLSA) |
| Districts covered | Thaba-Tseka, Mokhotlong, Quthing, Qacha’s Nek, Leribe |
| Cases recorded by WLSA since 2024 | 1,832 abuse-related cases |
| Criminal cases requiring prosecution | 488 |
| Funder of WLSA project | Global Fund |
