THE president of the Ha-Maja Local Court, ’Matoka Mokoma, has been charged with corruption. She appeared in the Maseru Magistrate’s Court on Monday and was released on free bail. Mokoma, 55, was accused of stealing M1 000 which she received as a fine from a man whose son had been convicted by her court.
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It says she did not give Malefetsane Tekane a receipt after he paid the fine for his son, Teboho Tekane.
The indictment alleges she committed the crime in October last year.
“On or about the 31st October 2023, and at or near Maja Local Court in the district of Maseru, the said accused did unlawfully and intentionally as a court president committed the offence of corruption by abusing the function or position of her office,” the indictment says.
“The accused is said to have received M1 000 from Malefetsane Tekane as a court fine for his son Teboho Tekane without issuing a receipt.”
When applying for bail, Mokoma’s lawyer Advocate Khoete Metsing said “she is not a flight risk as she is a judicial officer who has a family and nearing retirement”.
“The accused is a judicial officer and knows that she should not interfere with crown witnesses,” Advocate Metsing said.
“I therefore ask for the accused to be released on own recognisance because there is no likelihood of her absconding.”
“She has been going to work even after being arrested and released. She is a family woman and due to retire in a few years.”
The prosecution said police investigations have been finalised and the matter is ready for hearing.
Mokoma will be back in court on March 12.
Meanwhile, in another case of judicial corruption, a Teya-Teyaneng prosecutor was allegedly caught red-handed on Tuesday soliciting bribes from crime suspects.
Lefu Penane is in police custody in Teya-Teyang, pending a directive from the office of the Director of Public Prosecution.
The Directorate on Corruption and Economic Offences said Penane is likely to be charged with bribery and defeating the ends of justice.
Staff Reporter
