AFTER months of mounting pressure from the High Court to reinstate the dismissed army Private Mokitimi Senekane, the Lesotho Defence Force (LDF) has finally relented and agreed to settle through a well-paid out pension.

In the settlement proposed on Monday this week, the LDF informed High Court judge, Justice 'Mafelile Ralebese that it was impracticable to reinstate Senekane and promote him as he requested in his latest application.

Senekane who has been out of the force for well over 15 years has asked for a court order directing the commander, Lieutenant General Mojalefa Letsoela to regularise his promotion by elevating him to the rank of Brigadier effective from February 1, 2020.

The army instead only showed its keenness to pay the embattled soldier’s retirement benefits, adding that the settlement would help avoid untoward court processes.

When the court reconvenes on October 31, the judge will receive an update on the proposed settlement.

Notwithstanding the suggested deal, Senekane contends that he continues to suffer prejudice at the hands of uncooperative army officials.

Senekane was sacked from active army service in 2007 and has over the years challenged his dismissal, which he described as unlawful.

Finally, the High Court ruled in his favour and ordered his reinstatement, declaring his discharge unlawful.

The LDF instead challenged the decision in the Court of Appeal, but its appeal was consequently shot down in November 2021.