The Public Accounts Committee has ordered Central Bank of Lesotho Governor Dr Maluke Letete to take decisive action against officials linked to the irregular duplicate payment of M1.2 million.
By Tholoana Lesenya
The Public Accounts Committee has ordered Central Bank of Lesotho Governor Dr Maluke Letete to take decisive action against officials allegedly linked to the irregular duplicate payment of M1.2 million.
PAC Chairperson ‘Machabana Lemphane Letsie questioned why no disciplinary action has been taken despite the financial loss to the Central Bank during hearings this week.
“The Central Bank of Lesotho is a 100 percent public institution, and Basotho deserve to know what happened. The money may have been repaid, but someone must answer for the mistake.”
The Central Bank has already reimbursed the M1.2 million using its own funds after the linked account was closed. Dr Letete confirmed the repayment was made on November 12, 2024.
PAC questions handling of Central Bank duplicate payment
Lemphane Letsie directed the Governor to return before the committee on July 24 with a detailed report outlining steps taken against employees who may have played a role in the duplicate payment.
No disciplinary action has yet been taken against any employees nearly two years after the issue was identified. PAC members argued that failing to act sends the wrong message within public institutions.
Broader issues in public financial management
The duplicate payment forms part of wider Auditor General findings on weak internal controls, poor record-keeping and procurement irregularities across government entities.
The committee maintained that recovering the money is only one aspect of resolving the matter. Identifying weaknesses in internal controls and ensuring accountability are equally important.
Next steps and expectations
PAC wants assurance that similar weaknesses have been addressed to protect public resources from avoidable losses. The committee has repeatedly stated that public institutions should not only correct financial errors but also hold accountable those whose actions or negligence contribute to losses.
With Dr Letete expected back before the committee on July 24, attention will now shift to whether the Central Bank identifies those responsible and demonstrates that meaningful action has been taken.
