Moroke Sekoboto
THE Road Fund has handed over the Automated Traffic Justice System (ATJS) to the justice sector, comprising the Judiciary, the Lesotho Mounted Police Service (LMPS) and the prosecution.
The ATJS is an integrated digital system designed to streamline the handling of traffic offenses in Lesotho by replacing the traditional manual processes with a more efficient and transparent digital workflow.
Developed by Engidata and implemented in 2022 with funding from the Road Fund, the system represents a major technological step forward in traffic law enforcement and adjudication.
ATJS is fully integrated with the LMPS’s Electronic Spot Fine (eSpot fine) system, which was introduced in 2019.
The eSpot fine replaced the manual ticketing system, enabling law enforcement officers to issue, trace, and report on spot fines electronically and without geographic limitations.
To date, the Road Fund has invested M25 million into the development and implementation of the system.
Speaking at the handover ceremony yesterday at Avani Lesotho, Road Fund Chief Executive Officer, ‘Matsepang Sekhokoana, said the system was introduced to improve the flow of traffic cases, enhance transparency, and rebuild public trust in the justice system by eliminating case delays and the risk of lost files.
“The system connects LMPS’s eSpot fine platform with the prosecution and the courts, creating a seamless workflow for handling traffic violation cases. It aims to expedite the processing of cases and ensure accountability,” Ms Sekhokoana said.
She also said the system automatically notifies all relevant parties of updates in each case file, thereby improving transparency and communication throughout the justice chain.
“We are confident that the system is fully functional and, now that we are handing it over to the Judiciary, we trust it will be properly maintained. We also want to assure you that we remain available to support the system whenever needed.”
Ms Sekhokoana also said the ATJS is anchored on three key pillars: integration, efficiency, and transparency.
Commissioner of Police Borotho Matsoso acknowledged the longstanding collaboration with the Road Fund in developing the system and pledged that the judicial sector would safeguard it going forward.
“We have worked hand in hand with the Road Fund since the system’s inception. We are grateful for both the system and the financial support provided. As it now transitions to the judiciary, we promise to take good care of it,” Adv Matsoso said.
He also made a plea to the public to desist from bribing traffic officers.
“I appeal to citizens to stop offering bribes to the police. Let the system operate as intended for the benefit of everyone.”
Speaking on behalf of the Judiciary, High Court and Court of Appeal Registrar, Advocate ‘Mathato Sekoai, committed to preserving the integrity and sustainability of the ATJS.
“We will ensure the sustainability of this system and build public trust by streamlining the process and eliminating delays. The Road Fund has shown that systems can succeed, unlike the excuse often used by other agencies that ‘systems always fail’,” Adv Seko
