…challenges suspension, disciplinary inquiry
Moorosi Tsiane
EMBATTLED Directorate on Corruption and Economic Offences (DCEO) Principal Investigations Officer (PIO), Tsotang Likotsi, has petitioned the High Court to nullify his 24 April 2024 suspension and to block impending disciplinary proceedings against him.
Mr Likotsi also seeks full disclosure of all evidence that DCEO Director General, Brigadier Mantšo Sello, intends to use in the disciplinary proceedings. He argues that withholding this information infringes on his constitutional rights. Additionally, he challenges the composition of the disciplinary committee, alleging that its members were irregularly appointed.
Having joined the DCEO in 2010 from the National Security Service (NSS), Mr Likotsi first faced disciplinary action on 28 February 2025 when he received a show-cause letter. This followed Adv Brig Sello’s directive for detailed reports on all cases handled by DCEO officers amid allegations that some officers were accepting bribes to dismiss cases.
A confidential report seen by the Lesotho Times links Mr Likotsi and another PIO, Thabiso Thibeli, to corrupt activities. Mr Thibeli has since retired from the DCEO. The report, compiled by fellow DCEO investigators, alleges that the duo accepted bribes in exchange for burying cases.
On 18 March 2025, Mr Likotsi was slapped with a chargesheet, accusing him of ”neglect of duty” for allegedly failing to complete investigations promptly, leading to the discharge of former Local Government Principal Secretary Lefu Manyokole and businessman Pitso Ntsukunyane by the Maseru Magistrates Court due to inadequate evidence in their corruption and fraud case. He was also accused of “conduct prejudicial to good order and discipline” for allegedly sabotaging investigations by recording inaccurate evidence and misplacing dockets, forcing prosecutors to withdraw cases.
In response, on 24 March 2024, Mr Likotsi requested further particulars, including a list of witnesses, the disciplinary committee chairperson’s details, and the specific cases and witness statements he was accused of mishandling. However, on the same day, he received his suspension letter.
Mr Likotsi, in his founding affidavit, asserts that he has always been a dedicated officer who has investigated and completed numerous cases without any accusations of misconduct—either at the National Security Service (NSS) or the Directorate on Corruption and Economic Offences (DCEO).
“I have at all times operated within the DCEO’s plan, implementation strategy, and policies. I have engaged in discussions with managerial leadership and investigators to align on prosecution matters,” he states.
He challenges the allegations against him, particularly those referenced in the show cause letter, which mentions bribery, the disappearance of case files, and their alleged misplacements.
“In my understanding, the DG-DCEO had concerns about the case of Rex v Motsamai, specifically regarding claims that former Principal Investigating Officer (PIO) Mathaha Motseko left a file in my custody upon her resignation and that I subsequently misplaced it. This is completely unfounded. I had no involvement with the files PIO Motseko handled. She did not report to me; she was answerable to Mr Thabiso Jobo Thibeli. There was no handover to me, nor would there have been any reason for one,” Mr Likotsi argues.
He further states, “The case is being prosecuted by Advocate Ranthithi to my knowledge. The movement of files between investigators, litigation officers, and prosecutors is well regulated and documented by the relevant personnel. Strangely, when Mr Thibeli resigned, he handed over the files, and the first respondent (DG-DCEO, Brigadier Sello) is on record stating that he was satisfied with the handover.”
“Invariably, all charges against me relate to Rex v Lefu Manyokole and Others and Rex v Molete Selete and 4 Others,” he adds.
Mr Selete, the Maseru Town Clerk, was charged in April last year by the Maseru Magistrates’ Court for allegedly making an illegal payment of M14 million to a Chinese joint venture contracted by Maseru City Council (MCC) for the construction of the Mpilo Boulevard intersection road. The case was withdrawn last month.
Mr Likotsi maintains that he reported to Advocate Sefako Seema, the DCEO’s Head of Investigations, and provided regular updates.
“Adv Seema, in turn, directed me to carry out lawful instructions. The claim that I did not cooperate with assigned DCEO officers is a fabrication designed to suggest insubordination, negligence, and dereliction of duty,” he states.
“For the record, the DCEO initiated the MCC investigation and issued its first report to determine possible prosecution. The criminal docket was then presented to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Hlalefang Motinyane, who directed the DG-DCEO to charge the accused individuals. This directive validated Adv Motelle’s mandate to prosecute the case without fear, favour, or undue influence. However, she later reversed her decision, obstructing the independent functions of the DCEO.”
Mr Likotsi argues that he should not be held accountable for cases that were not under his supervision and, therefore, has requested further particulars to substantiate his innocence.
“These are serious allegations, and I expected the DG-DCEO (Sello) to clarify them before my suspension. It is a violation of the rule of law for the DG-DCEO to suspend and institute disciplinary proceedings against me over decisions made by Advocates Seema, Joala, and Ranthithi—decisions that had the approval of former DG-DCEO Knorx Molelle. This is an act of administrative overreach.
“He (Sello) acted improperly in suspending me. This decision is manifestly unreasonable and inconsistent with the Prevention of Corruption and Economic Offences Act, as amended,” he argues.
Mr Likotsi prays the court to intervene, compelling the DG-DCEO to provide the necessary particulars.
“It is impossible to argue that refusing to furnish these particulars does not prejudice my defence. I cannot waive my right to request the discovery of relevant documents, reports, and witness lists.”
Adv Brig Sello, Chairperson of Disciplinary Enquiry, DCEO Board of Appointments and Promotions and Attorney General Rapelang Motsieloa KC are first to fourth respondents respectively. They had not filed their opposing papers when this publication went for print last night.
