Former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Lesotho Tourism Development Corporation (LTDC), Dr. Retselisitsoe Nko, has formally withdrawn his application for leave to appeal, as communicated through his lawyer, Advocate Christopher Lephuthing, before the Court of Appeal. This decision comes after Dr. Nko sought permission to contest a ruling from the Labour Appeal Court, which had declined to assert jurisdiction over his case.
The Labour Appeal Court’s judgment concluded that the matter was not yet appealable, as it remains pending in the Labour Court. The court further noted that no costs order was necessary at this stage, indicating that the legal proceedings would need to continue within the Labour Court framework.
Despite Advocate Lephuthing’s initial belief that they possessed viable grounds for a successful appeal, he ultimately opted to withdraw the application. This decision was influenced by a cautionary warning from the Court of Appeal regarding the risks associated with pursuing the appeal. The court suggested that the merits of the case could be better argued in the Labour Court, where the matter originated.
Dr. Nko’s withdrawal marks a significant moment in this ongoing legal saga, as it allows him to refocus his efforts on the Labour Court proceedings. The case, which involves issues pertinent to his tenure at the LTDC, remains under the jurisdiction of the Labour Court, where he will have the opportunity to present his arguments directly related to the merits of his claims.
This development highlights the complexities of legal processes in Lesotho and the importance of adhering to jurisdictional guidelines in the appeal process. As Dr. Nko prepares to take his case back to the Labour Court, observers will be keenly watching how this matter unfolds in the legal arena.
