Hopolang Mokhopi
THE outgoing Director of Elections at the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), Mpaiphele Maqutu, has been charged with corruption in connection with the procurement of paper bags valued at M76,222.96.
Maqutu appeared before the Maseru Magistrates’ Court alongside his executive secretary Joalane Mavuso and, Mabatho Sesoane, the former IEC finance manager.
They appeared before Magistrate Nkhethoa Molapo.
Senior Crown Counsel Keketso Motiki represented the prosecution. Advocate Lepeli Molapo appeared for Maqutu, Advocate Khatala represented Mavuso, while Advocate Kelebone Monate appeared for Sesoane.
The charges stem from preparations for the Electoral Commission Forum for Southern African Development Community member states (ECF–SADC), which the IEC hosted in Maseru from 24 to 28 March last year. As part of the event, the IEC procured gifts for delegates and required paper bags to package them.
According to the charge sheet, the accused allegedly processed and purchased 3,000 paper bags without following established procurement procedures. The prosecution alleges the items were obtained through single sourcing to legitimize the transaction.
It is alleged that between 23 January and 22 February 2025, and near the IEC offices in Maseru district, the accused, acting either individually or collectively, unlawfully and intentionally disregarded required procurement protocols in purchasing the paper bags.
Magistrate Molapo read the charges to the accused in English, and all confirmed that they understood them. He informed them of their rights, including legal representation, access to legal aid, and the right to apply for bail.
“The accused are made aware of the gravity of the offences with which they are charged, as well as the potential penalties they may face if found guilty,” Magistrate Molapo said.
Adv Molapo applied for bail on behalf of all three accused, submitting that the matter dates back to February 2025 and that the accused had cooperated fully with police investigations, attending interviews when required.
He told the court that Maqutu had voluntarily presented himself for questioning on 31 January 2026, had complied with all summons, and showed no intention to abscond. He added that all the accused remain employed within the court’s jurisdiction.
“This is essentially an administrative and procedural matter,” Adv Molapo said, requesting that the accused be released on own recognisance. Alternatively, he asked that affordable bail be granted, noting their family responsibilities and lack of risk of interfering with crown witnesses.
Adv Motiki did not oppose bail. However, she noted that while the defence maintained the accused did not personally benefit from the alleged offence, the issue of possible personal gain could not be ruled out at this stage.
After considering submissions from both sides, and noting the prosecution’s lack of objection, Magistrate Molapo granted bail to all three accused.
Each was ordered to pay M2000 bail, refrain from interfering with crown witnesses, attend all remand hearings, and stand trial to its conclusion. The court further directed that each accused secure an independent surety residing within Maseru district on own recognisance terms.
The matter was postponed to 3 March 2025 for routine remand.
Maqutu was appointed IEC Director of Elections in March 2022 and resigned on 3 February 2026. Over the weekend, he alleged that the police were being used to advance the interests of the Minister of Local Government, Chieftainship, Home Affairs and Police, Lebona Lephema, following a dispute over a building in Maseru West that the IEC purchased for its headquarters after outbidding the minister. Mr Lephema denied the allegations.
