Mohale FM THE Lesotho Electricity Company (LEC) has spent about M12 million paying salaries to its suspended executives over the past 11 months.
The figure excludes acting allowances paid to staff members who have been holding fort during the suspensions.
The LEC board suspended the company’s 10-member executive management team 11 months ago to pave the way for investigations into alleged financial irregularities.
Auditor-General Mathabo Makenete was engaged to audit the utility so the board could establish whether there had been any wrong doing by the executives.
However, two executives; Corporate Secretary Attorney Khotso Nthontho and Head of Finance ‘Makabelo Matsoso, resigned last year while still serving their suspensions.
Those still under suspension are Managing Director Mohlomi Seitlheko, Head of Corporate Services Moipone Mashale, Head of Strategy and Growth Limpho Mokhesi, Head of Information Technology Sakhele Mapetja, Head of Customer Experience Lebohang Mohasoa, Head of Legal, Risk and Compliance Selebalo Ntepe, Head of Internal Audit Thato Matsoso, and Head of Operations Serolo Tikoe.
LEC has previously hogged headlines after appearing before the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) over allegations of mismanagement of funds and unlawful procurement practices.
The Auditor-General’s 2024 report revealed that the parastatal had failed to account for M568 million, heightening concerns and prompting calls for a forensic audit, which has since been completed.
