The Commonwealth Lawyers Association in association with the Commonwealth Legal Education Association and the Commonwealth Magistrate’s and Judges Association have issued a statement in which they are concerned about the removal of Chief Justice Nthomeng Majara.

The associations say they are aware of the government of Lesotho’s plan to remove her for alleged misconduct as head of the High Court and in her capacity as Chairperson of the Judicial Services Commission in Lesotho.

The associations have urged the government of Lesotho to abide by the constitutional provisions, natural justice and due process in order to safeguard the independence of the judiciary and also to respect by the provisions in the Commonwealth Principles which govern the relationship between three branches of government which are a cornerstone of the Commonwealth values.