Mohale FM The Assistant Administrator of the Southern Region High Court, Palesa Nkoe, has said the newly established court is expected to ease the backlog of cases at the Maseru High Court.
The court is set to begin hearing cases on 12 February.
Ms Nkoe said the new court brings justice services closer to communities that previously travelled long distances from districts such as Qacha’s Nek.
She said hearing schedules have already been finalised and the court currently employs about twenty-seven staff members.
A Judicial has also been established to handle cases from both Local and Central Courts. Ms Nkoe added that the opening of the court has helped reduce unemployment, with several Basotho employed.
Meanwhile, an inmate involved in renovation works appealed for speedy justice, saying some prisoners have waited over seven years for High Court sentencing.
Qalakheng resident, Mamello Mohapi, welcomed the development but raised concerns over job losses following the conversion of a former guest house into court premises.
Despite this, he said he plans to open a small business near the court to support himself. The Southern Region High Court will serve Mafeteng, Mohale’s Hoek, Quthing and Qacha’s Nek districts.
