A disciplinary panel under the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftainship, Home Affairs and Police has recommended the dismissal of two female officers accused of illegally issuing a birth certificate to a foreign national.

The employees, both stationed at the Department of National Identity and Civil Registration (NICR), Qacha’sNek allegedly processed a fraudulent birth certificate in July 2025 for a foreigner born in 1980.

A source who opted for anonymity told the Agency that three people were initially implicated, two women and one man but only the females faced disciplinary recommendations due to lack of evidence against the third.

According to reports, the application process was irregular from the start. The form was filled out at a council office rather than directly through the ministry, as normally required.

However, in certain circumstances, especially when the birth is not registered within the standard timeframe, applicants must also submit a supporting letter from the local chief, a safeguard that appears to have been bypassed in this instance.

Further investigations revealed that the fraudulent application was allegedly motivated by a marriage arrangement between the foreigner and the Mosotho man’s daughter.

The disciplinary panel’s recommendation has been submitted to the Principal Secretary, Dr. ’Mamphaka Mabesa, and the public now awaits the ministry’s final decision.

Qacha’sNek District Administrator Habofanoe Pheku strongly condemned the incident, calling it “a criminal act that undermines national integrity. He said Issuing national documents to undeserving individuals under false pretenses is illegal because birth certifcate belong to the government and is a proof of citizenship. He added that, tampering with this system is a serious offence and must be treated as such.

Pheku further emphasized that beyond disciplinary measures, legal action should follow to deter future misconduct.

Its National Identity Register (NIR) uses a digital database and biometric technology to safeguard the integrity of Lesotho’s identity management system.

According to the ministry’s website, NICR’s mandate is to register and affirm the identity of citizens and non-citizens, manage migration, and uphold the constitutional right to freedom of movement.

Its vision is to foster a secure and prosperous society where every individual values their identity and citizenship.

This scandal has underscored the urgent need for tighter internal controls, transparent oversight, and stronger penalties for those who abuse public trust. As the Ministry deliberates on the disciplinary recommendations, citizens are calling for a comprehensive review of the Home Affairs system to prevent future breaches.

Rebuilding trust in national identity management, many say, will depend not only on punishing those responsible but also on proving that no one is above the law.