Lekhetho Ntsukunyane
THE High Court is today expected to hear a case in which former police commissioner, Khothatso Tšooana, is seeking an order directing government to pay his terminal benefits.
Mr Tšooana was sent on early retirement in August 2015 after government found him unfit to hold office allegedly due to incompetence, polarising as well as politicising the Lesotho Mounted Police Service (LMPS).
However, more than a year later, Mr Tšooana alleges in his court application that he is yet to be paid his terminal benefits.
The application was filed last month by his lawyer, Attorney Khotso Nthontho.
The Ministry of Police Principal Secretary (PS) ’Mapalesa Rapapa, the ministry’s Human Resources Manager ’Maqacha Phafoli, Police Minister Monyane Moleleki, Police Commissioner Molahlehi Letsoepa and Attorney-General Tšokolo Makhethe are cited as first to fifth respondents respectively in the matter.
Attorney Nthontho this week confirmed to the Lesotho Times that the case is expected to be heard before Justice Semapo Peete today.
He said the respondents had not yet filed their opposing documents despite having filed their notice to oppose Mr Tšooana’s application.
“This could mean that they are prepared to settle the matter out of court. But we shall see when the hearing starts on Thursday,” Attorney Nthontho said.
Mr Tšooana wants the court to direct the second to fifth respondents to pay his terminal benefits “forthwith”.
He also wants the court to issue an order directing the second to fifth respondents to furnish him with a once-off option to buy the Lexus SUV vehicle he used as police commissioner at a residual value.
Efforts to secure comment from the respondents’ side proved fruitless this week.