LRA ‘owes’ Mosito

Staff Reporter

Suspended Court of Appeal President Justice Kananelo Mosito does not owe a cent to the Lesotho Revenue Authority (LRA).

Instead he is likely entitles to a refund of about M50 000 in taxes he overpaid. Sources close to Mosito told thepost that the LRA told the judge of its findings last week.

This was after the completion of an audit the revenue authority has been conducting into his tax affairs for the past few months.

The LRA expected to inform Justice Mosito about its findings in a letter this week.

During audit the LRA had several meetings with Mosito and his officials from his law firm. “They were clear that it was they (LRA) who might have to refund Justice Mosito,” a source said.

“To Mosito this is important because there has been a public perception that because he is facing tax related charges he owes some taxes,” the source said.

“It means that there was no tax eversion and the judge was paying his dues and probably even more.”

Justice Mosito could not be reached for a comment as he was said to be in South Korea. Pheello Mphana, LRA’s public relations manager, refused to comment.

Justice Mosito has come under immense pressure to quit after he was charged for failing to file tax returns on time. He is alleged to have failed to file his returns on time between 1996 and 2014.

Following the allegations Prime Minister Pakalitha started making moves to have him removed as Appeal Court President. The Prime Minister asked the judge to “show cause” why he could not be removed.

King Letsie III last month appointed the tribunal, acting on advice from the prime minister, has established three-member tribunal established to investigate the allegations against the Justice Mosito.

The tribunal is made up of South African Judges, Justice Frederik Daniel Brand, Justice John Foxcroft and Justice Noel Hurt. The three judges will decide if Justice Mosito should be removed based on the charges.