…as Mohale’s Hoek High Court starts operating
Moorosi Tsiane
CHIEF Justice Sakoane Sakoane has announced the immediate commencement of operations at the Mohale’s Hoek High Court, a move aimed at easing the crippling backlog of cases in the top court.
Justice Sakoane said the establishment of the new High Court division in the southern part of the country forms part of sustained efforts by the judiciary to improve access to justice and fast-track the resolution of long-pending cases.
He made the remarks this week during the official opening of the 2026 High Court session.
The Southern Division of the High Court will operate from a rented building, formerly the Castle Rock Hotel, as a temporary measure until the judiciary constructs its own premises near the Mohale’s Hoek Magistrates Court.
Justice Sakoane said case backlogs remained a persistent challenge, compounded by society’s continued reliance on courts as the primary forum for dispute resolution instead of embracing alternative mechanisms.
“As long as society fails to put in place and utilise alternative dispute resolution measures, and continues to rely almost exclusively on the courts, backlogs are here to stay,” Justice Sakoane said.
He added that the only practical way to cope with what he described as a “labour of Sisyphus” is to increase the number of judicial officers and decentralise court operations.
Labour of Sisyphus is a Greek saying which means endlessly repetitive, frustrating and pointless work.
In line with this approach, Justice Sakoane said the Judicial Service Commission (JSC), exercising its powers under Section 125 of the Constitution, advised His Majesty King Letsie III to appoint additional acting judges to reinforce the High Court.
“In an endeavour to harness more pairs of oxen to plough the field of justice, the Judicial Service Commission exercised its power under Section 125 of the Constitution and advised His Majesty the King to appoint acting judges.”
The appointed acting judges are Advocate Sekake Malebanye KC, Advocate Tsebang Putsoane, Senior Resident Magistrate Manapo Motebele, Resident Magistrate Palesa Rantara and Advocate Tsooana Lesaoana.
Justice Sakoane said Advocate Malebanye and Magistrate Rantara have been deployed to the newly established Southern Division of the High Court based in Mohale’s Hoek, which officially opened for judicial business on Monday. The division is expected to begin hearing cases on February 16, 2026.
The Southern Division’s territorial jurisdiction covers Qacha’s Nek, Quthing, Mohale’s Hoek and parts of the Mafeteng district.
He said the exact areas of Mafeteng to fall under the new division will be finalised through consultations involving the Minister of Justice, Richard Ramoeletsi, and principal chiefs from Matelile, Ha Ramabanta, Kubake and Ribaneng.
Meanwhile, Senior Resident Magistrate Motebele and Advocate Lesaoana have been assigned to the Northern Division of the High Court in Leribe, increasing the number of judicial officers there from two to four.
Justice Sakoane said the measures underscore the judiciary’s commitment to strengthening the justice delivery system and ensuring that Basotho across the country enjoy improved and timely access to the courts.
