Law Society doubts legitimacy of DCEO boss’ appointment

The Law Society of Lesotho has raised concern over the appointment of the director general of the Directorate on Corruption and Economic Offences (DCEO), Advocate Knorx Molelle, alleging that he has not been properly admitted to practice law in the country.

In a letter addressed to the prime minister, Sam Matekane, on Monday this week, Law Society secretary Advocate Ithabeleng Phamotse noted that whistle blower claims substantiated by their own records that indicated that Adv Molelle was not listed on the official roll of legal practitioners in the country.

The organisation said it is worried this might affect the DCEO’s ability to carry out its mandate to combat corruption and economic crimes.

Adv Phamotse indicated that the legal requirements of admission as a legal practitioner was not a mere procedural formality, but a substantive qualification essential to the lawful appointment of the director general.

This illegality, if left addressed, undermines the ability effectiveness, and legality of the DCEO’s operations, she said.

The Law Society, has therefore requested immediate verification from Matekane confirming that due diligence was performed in order to establish the legality of Adv Molelle’s appointment.

“Should it be confirmed that the appointment was made in contravention of the mandatory legal requirements, we respectfully urge you to take immediate corrective action to rectify this glaring irregularity.

“Failure to address this matter with the urgency it deserves will leave the Law Society with no alternative but to institute legal proceedings to protect the interests of justice and uphold the rule of law in Lesotho,” Adv Phamotse noted. Adv Molelle was appointed DCEO general director in February 2023.