Chief Justice Sakoane Sakoane Raises Concern Over Unregistered Lawyers in Lesotho
On Thursday, Chief Justice Sakoane Sakoane expressed concerns about the increasing presence of individuals practicing law without proper registration with the Law Society of Lesotho. The issue was raised during a trial where two army members are facing charges of murdering Lisebo Tang, a case dating back to 2014 near the residence of former Army Commander Tlali Kamoli.
The concern arose when a man, who was not officially recognized as a registered lawyer, appeared in court on behalf of the defense. The defense attorney, unable to attend due to traffic disruptions from the ongoing Roof of Africa event, had arranged for this individual to stand in. However, Chief Justice Sakoane questioned the unregistered individual, inquiring if he was in good standing with the Law Society of Lesotho.
The individual admitted that he was still in the process of resolving his registration issues with the Law Society, a statement that drew further attention from the court. The Chief Justice’s intervention highlighted the legal importance of ensuring that all individuals representing clients in court are appropriately licensed and registered.
The matter raised concerns about the legal profession’s integrity and the potential risks posed by unqualified or unregistered practitioners. Chief Justice Sakoane’s remarks underscore the importance of maintaining high standards within the legal profession, ensuring that only qualified individuals are allowed to practice law and represent clients in court.
As the trial continues, the issue remains a point of significant discussion within legal circles in Lesotho, with calls for more stringent enforcement of regulations governing the practice of law in the country. The Law Society’s role in monitoring and accrediting legal practitioners remains crucial in safeguarding the integrity of the judicial process.
