IEC procurement officer resists transfer
After she blows whistle on alleged tender interference, accusing Elections Director of undue influence
MOTSAMAI MOKOTJO
MASERU – The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) procurement officer, ‘Malineo Chobokoane, is set to be transferred to Qacha’s Nek with immediate effect after she allegedly implicated the Director of Elections, Advocate Mpaiphele Maqutu, in undue interference in the Commission’s tender processes.
According to sources, Chobokoane refuses the transfer, voicing concern that the move was punishment after raising concerns over the alleged irregularities in the procurement of the Commission’s bags.
She reportedly flagged the misconduct and escalated the matter to the Directorate on Corruption and Economic Offences (DCEO), but no action was taken. She then turned to the Lesotho Mounted Police Service (LMPS) for intervention.
The scandal took another turn with Chobokoane, in her Labour Court filings, arguing that her relocation to Qacha’s Nek was unjust, suggesting it may be an act of retaliation for exposing the alleged corruption.
“The decision of the Respondent to redeploy and/or transfer the Applicant to Qachas Nek district for a period of six months effective from the 10th of June, 2025, be stayed pending final determination hereof,” she argues in a matter which will be heard by the Labour Court, adding that “the Respondents be interdicted and restrained from redeploying, transferring and/or otherwise relocating the Applicant to a new workstation pending final determination of this application.”
She continues: “While I am convinced that the facts provided above are sufficient to vitiate the decisions taken by the Respondents, I have a duty to be candid to the court and disclose all material facts that I believe contributed to the decisions made, which also render the decision fatally or irredeemably flawed.”
“On the 19th of March, 2025, 2nd Respondent called me to the parking lot at the offices of the 1st Respondent (Maqutu); upon my arrival, he requested that I should provide him with documentation that was prepared for the procurement of paper bags from Durban.
I informed him that I was unaware of that particular process but that I would enquire from my colleagues. I must add that at that time the 2nd Respondent informed me that there is an ongoing police investigation relating to the procurement of paper bags from Durban,” Chobokoane says in her papers in court.
“He further went on to state that he suspects the informant or whistle-blower came from the office of procurement; he even made a veiled threat that he will deal decisively with anyone who has reported the matter to the police. I suspected that the message and/or threat was directed at me, but I had no tangible proof.”
She continues that on the April 14 she was on leave which was due to end on the April 17, during which she received a letter requiring her to indicated why she could not be subjected to disciplinary proceedings for being absent without leave and for desertion.
She has attached a copy of the said letter, and her response which was penned the same day – April 14.
Chobokoane adds that she was informed that her representations were considered and that a decision has been made to subject her to a disciplinary hearing.
According to Public Eye sources, Chobokoane, who is in Grade G salary, is not suited to work in districts.
“There is no way she can be sent there since she is way above those deployed in districts,” the sources say.
When contacted, Maqutu said he was aware of the pending court case, “but since I am on leave, it will be handled by relevant authorities.”
The allegations raise serious concerns about transparency, accountability and governance issues within the IEC, particularly as the Commission oversees critical democratic processes. The Commission’s Public Relations Manager, Tuoe Hantši, also currently on suspension following a spat with Advocate Maqutu – he had previously been expelled from the IEC and reistated later after a legal challenge.
The matter is expected to be heard today.
