MASERU — Three former senior officials of the Lesotho Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), including a former Director of Elections, have appeared before the Maseru Magistrate’s Court facing criminal charges linked to alleged unlawful procurement.
The accused, Mpaiphele Maqutu (54), former Director of Elections; Joalane Mavuso (45), former Executive Secretary to the Director of Elections; and Mabatho Sesoane (47), former Finance Manager, appeared before Magistrate Nkhethoa Molapo this week.
They face charges of contravening Section 164 read with Section 167 of the Public Procurement Act No. 3 of 2023, legislation designed to enforce transparency and accountability in public procurement.
Allegations relate to procurement at IEC offices
According to court proceedings, the trio allegedly procured and purchased 3,000 paper bags without following lawful procurement procedures.
The alleged offence is said to have occurred between January 22, 2025 and February 22, 2025 at the IEC offices in Maseru.
Prosecutors allege that the accused acted in concert and with a common purpose, unlawfully bypassing required procurement processes when authorising the purchase.
The Public Procurement Act requires public institutions to follow strict procedures to ensure fairness, transparency, and value for money when acquiring goods and services.
Failure to comply with these procedures constitutes a criminal offence.
Defence argues accused cooperated with investigators
During bail proceedings, defence counsel Advocate Lepeli Molapo told the court that his clients had fully cooperated with investigating authorities.
He submitted that the accused had attended multiple interviews when requested and had not attempted to evade investigators.
“They were never arrested or summoned by police. They presented themselves voluntarily and are not flight risks,” Advocate Molapo told the court.
Court grants bail, case postponed
Magistrate Molapo granted each of the accused bail of M2,000, allowing them to remain free pending trial.
The case has been postponed to March 3, 2026, when the accused are expected to return to court as proceedings continue.
Case adds to scrutiny over procurement compliance
The charges come amid increasing scrutiny of procurement practices within public institutions.
Public procurement is a critical area of governance, as it involves the use of taxpayer funds to purchase goods and services.
Authorities have in recent years intensified enforcement of procurement laws to address irregularities and strengthen accountability.
The case against the former IEC officials remains before the courts, and the accused are presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
Related story https://lesothotribune.co.ls/former-iec-director-mphaiphele-maqutu-to-face-corruption-charges-in-lesotho-court/
