LSB threatens to sue, boycott JSC over judicial appointments

The Society has now threatened to withdraw its nominated member from the Judicial Service Commission (JSC), warning that public confidence in the courts is directly linked to confidence in how judges are appointed. Speaking during the official opening of the legal year 2026 this morning, LSB chairperson Lesedi Moahi said recent judicial appointments have seriously eroded trust in the justice system. Moahi said the situation worsened in December 2025 when, according to the Society, the JSC reverted to practices it had understood to have been abandoned.

The Society said the development was a shocking reversal of the commitment made by CJ Ketlogetswe, who had assured the legal fraternity that proper channels would be followed under his tenure. Moahi said the Society was “totally perturbed” by the developments, adding that the latest events had deepened concerns it has raised for some time. As a result, Moahi said the Society has resolved to seek legal redress to set aside the appointment.

The LSB further demanded the establishment of clear rules and regulations governing the appointment of judicial and quasi-judicial officers. In the meantime, Moahi said the Society was considering drastic steps, including withdrawing from the JSC until the matter is resolved. “While we await response to our demand, the Society is actively considering, amongst other steps, withdrawing its nominated member from the JSC until this issue is resolved satisfactorily,” he said. Among the appointments the Society is questioning is that of Mmako Abram to the High Court bench, with the LSB accusing the executive of “headhunting” judges.