Corruption Charges Against Former Lesotho NGO Leaders

Two former senior officials of Women and Law Southern Africa face serious charges related to the misappropriation of funds. Photo: Sechaba Mokhethi

Overview of the Allegations

Mamosa Mohlabula-Nokana and Libakiso Matlho, former high-ranking officials of Women and Law Southern Africa (WLSA), are allegedly involved in a significant financial scandal, facing charges of corruption and money laundering. These allegations stem from the diversion of over R5.6 million in donor funds from 2016 to 2022.

Details of the Case

Mohlabula-Nokana, who previously served as the programmes director, recently appeared before the Maseru Magistrates’ Court. In contrast, Matlho, the former executive director, has not yet appeared due to her current position outside the country with the African Union.

Legal Action and Asset Freezing

On October 2, the High Court of Lesotho granted a preservation order that has frozen Mohlabula-Nokana’s bank accounts as well as a residential property in Maseru, which is suspected to have been acquired with illicit gains. This order, issued by Chief Justice Sakoane Sakoane, prevents any transactions involving the property until the case is resolved.

Financial Misconduct Claims

Investigations conducted by the Directorate on Corruption and Economic Offences (DCEO) revealed a series of suspicious transactions linked to both individuals. They are accused of misappropriating WLSA funds through various methods:

• Conducting online transfers totaling M1,078,542.
• Making cheque deposits amounting to M2,471,568.
• Withdrawing M1,548,000 in cash.
• Selling a house constructed with WLSA resources for M515,000 without recording these proceeds in the organization’s financial statements.

Persistence of Irregularities

Both Mohlabula-Nokana and Matlho are alleged to have shared a common intention to divert funds. The DCEO’s investigations into their personal financial activities surfaced concerning patterns, particularly involving Mohlabula-Nokana’s personal bank account where she allegedly deposited M1.97 million without any documented source.

Loan Discrepancies and Property Acquisitions

Further scrutiny revealed that Mohlabula-Nokana secured a home loan of M2.1 million, despite her monthly salary of M17,931, which was insufficient to cover the loan repayments. The DCEO indicates that the shortfall was likely sourced from misappropriated WLSA funds, affecting her property holdings.

Current Status and Upcoming Proceedings

The DCEO continues to seek justice for the allegedly misappropriated donor funds. Mohlabula-Nokana was released on bail, and further court proceedings are scheduled to resume on November 12.

The case emphasizes the importance of accountability in non-profit organizations and aims to uphold the integrity of donor funding designated for critical socio-economic initiatives in Lesotho.