MASERU - The Minister of Gender, Youth, Sports and Recreation, Dr Mahali Phamotse on Tuesday appeared before the Maseru Magistrate's Court on charges of corruption and abuse of power.
news
Jan. 29, 2020
STAFF REPORTER
1 min read
Dr Phamotse in court for corruption
Sports minister Dr Mahali Phamotse
It is alleged that between May and December 2015 while Dr Phamotse was still the Minister of Education and Training, she along with the Principal Secretary and Deputy Principal Secretary in that ministry abused their powers and influenced a tender allocation process against public procurement.
After the charge was read on Tuesday, Dr Phamotse’s lawyer King’s Counsel Salemane Phafane requested the court to release his client on free bail.
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KC Phafane said the accused is not only a citizen of Lesotho but also a minister in His Majesty's government.
He said the matter is old, dating back to 2015. He showed that Dr Phamotse had always been aware of the allegations levelled against her, adding she had neither absconded nor interfered with investigations in any manner.
In her ruling, Chief Magistrate ’Matankiso Nthunya released the accused on her own recognisance.
Dr Phamotse assured the court that she will not abscond. The case has been postponed until February 21.
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