Lesotho Continues to Mourn Prominent Lawyer and Statesman Advocate Haae Edward Phoofolo KC

Prominent lawyer and statesman, Advocate Haae Edward Phoofolo KC, has passed away at the age of 78 after battling multiple health complications. His wife, Ntšebo ’Mantai Phoofolo, confirmed that the former interim Prime Minister died in the early hours of yesterday morning.

Ms Phoofolo recounted that Adv Phoofolo first felt unwell on Wednesday, 6 August, but continued his daily routine. By Saturday, his condition worsened, prompting the family to admit him to Queen ‘Mamohato Memorial Hospital, where he spent a week. Blood tests suggested cancer, and he was initially scheduled for discharge on Wednesday to continue treatment at Sankatana Oncology Centre, but he was discharged earlier, on Sunday.

After two days at home, his health deteriorated further on Tuesday. The family rushed him to Lehlakeng Private Hospital, where Dr Thabane assessed him. The doctor revealed life-threatening complications, including a swollen heart, affected lungs, and possible kidney failure. Despite emergency care, Adv Phoofolo passed away at 03:30 am.

Adv Phoofolo is survived by his wife of 45 years, three sons, daughters-in-law, four siblings, and several grandchildren. The couple married on 13 October 1979. Funeral arrangements will be announced in due course.

Born in 1947 in Ladybrand, South Africa, to an Anglican clergyman, Adv Phoofolo became one of Lesotho’s most respected legal and political figures. He earned a joint LLB degree from the University of Botswana, Lesotho and Swaziland and the University of Edinburgh in 1974. In 1977, he completed a Master’s degree in banking and money management at Adelphi University, New York, and was admitted to the Lesotho Bar as attorney, conveyancer, and notary public.

His early public service included serving as legal advisor to the Lesotho National Development Bank, and in 1978, he became Commissioner of Financial Institutions in the Ministry of Finance. In 1981, he helped establish the Central Bank of Lesotho and was appointed Deputy Governor in 1983.

Between 1986 and 2012, Adv Phoofolo built a formidable legal and consulting career, gaining recognition as a human rights advocate. His close ties to the monarchy led to his appointment as Interim Prime Minister in August 1994 by King Letsie III, a position he held for one month.

In 2012, he won the Maseru Central constituency under the All Basotho Convention (ABC) and was appointed Minister of Justice, Human Rights, Correctional Service, and Law and Constitutional Affairs, where he focused on reforming the justice system. In 2017, he became Attorney General of Lesotho, serving until his retirement in 2021.

Adv Phoofolo leaves a lasting legacy as a respected lawyer, politician, and statesman whose service spanned more than four decades, impacting Lesotho’s legal and political landscape.