Mohale FM OUTGOING Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) Director of Elections, Mpaiphele Maqutu, has described the corruption charge he is facing over the procurement of paper bags worth M53 000 as a hoax.
This after he was called to Police Headquarters this past Wednesday where he was told he is going to be charged for corruption in relation to the IEC procurement of the paper bags in March last year. He is set to appear before the Maseru Magistrates Court this Wednesday to be officially charged
Advocate Maqutu told the Sunday Express yesterday that he believes the police were being used to advance the interests of the Minister of Local Government, Chieftainship, Home Affairs and Police, Lebona Lephema.
He alleged this follows a dispute over a building inMaseru West, which the IEC purchased for its headquarters, after beating Mr Lephema to the bid.He said when the IEC was planning to buy the Maseru West building in early 2024, which later became its HQ, Mr Lephema had showed interest in acquiring it.
Adv Maqutu was appointed IEC Director of Elections in March 2022 and resigned on 3 February 2026.
For his part, Mr Lephema denied any involvement or animosity towards Adv Maqutu. DCP Mokete’smobile phone rang unanswered.
