Maseru, May 24 - A lawyer for the respondents in a law suit in which the Judicial Officers Association of Lesotho (JOALE), and the Law Society of Lesotho sue the government, says magistrates would be responsible to district administrators in terms of support services only.

Advocate Henri Viljoen was responding to JOALE and Law Society's application in the High Court on Wednesday, in which they are seeking for nullity of the decision to place the magistrates, and presidents of the Local Courts and Central Courts, under the responsibility of the district administrators.

He indicated that, the judicial officers would not be subjected to manipulation by district administrators, as per contention of the applicants, since they would not be answerable to them administravely.

Advocate Viljoen explained that, the district administrators would only provide support services to the judicial officers, and would not interfere with their judicial functions.

' The judicial officers who are under the control of the Judicial Service Commission, a senior body administering judicial issues in the country, would still be in control and there is not going to be any change,' he pointed out.

In conclusion, Advocate Viljoen reiterated that, the magistrates, and court presidents' decisions would not be overseered by the district administrators.

The case that is before three judges, namely: Justice Semapo Peete, Justice Nthomeng Majara, and Justice 'M'aseshophe Hlajoane, is continuing.

Advocate Viljoen who is legally representing the respondents, including the Prime Minister, the Minister of Local Government, Attorney General, and the Judicial Service Commission, is assisted by Advocate Denis Molyneaux.

Legal representatives for the applicants are Advocates Karabo Mohau, and Zwelakhe Mda.