New magistrate sworn in

Mr. Ts'eliso Raymond Bale was sworn in as a magistrate by the Chief Magistrate, Mr. Molefi Makara in a short ceremony at the Maseru Magistrate Court on January 26, 2004.

During the swearing in ceremony, Mr. Makara advised the new magistrate, to judge people brought before him justly, without any political or religious influence. A magistrate's court like other department, organisation, institution or body, is not immune from mistakes, and that people who are not satisfied with judgments that are imposed upon them, are at liberty to lodge their complaints in higher courts.

Another magistrate, Mrs. 'M'aseforo Mahase, advised Mr. Bale to administer justice in all fairness, without favour, fear or prejudice. He should disregard common statements that he is likely to hear including that magistrates accept bribes, she said.

Prior to his new posting, Mr. Bale worked  as a member of the Lesotho Defence Force (LDF),  from July 1, 1992, to December 2003. He read for BA Law from 1996 to 2000, and LLB from 2000 to 2002, at the National University of Lesotho. He also worked as a prosecutor in the martial court.

Mr. Bale was born on March 22, 1971, at Ha 'Mamathe in the Berea district. 

27 January 2004