The Southern African Chief Justices’ Forum(SACJF) has called on the Government of Lesotho to uphold the independence of the judiciary.

The SACJF also appealed to the government to give Chief Justice Nthomeng Majara a fair hearing, as well as allow her legal representation of her choice, in the event that she is hauled before a tribunal over misconduct charges.

The SACJF said this in the aftermath of Prime Minister Thomas Thabane’s letter to Justice Majara, requesting her to “show cause why” she should not be suspended and impeached over a litany of misconduct allegations.

Justice Majara stands accused of bringing the judiciary into disrepute, by failing to preside over cases for two years.

She also stands accused of renting a house from a colleague for M27 000 per month.

That amount is reportedly way above the M4000 housing allowance that she is entitled to as chief justice.