13 Sep 2018

Botswana, like most other Commonwealth jurisdictions, has adopted and practiced the Roman-Dutch law including judiciary appointments.

An example is the position of Judge President, a position many are not aware of its meaning or its relevance. To them a judge is a judge and a magistrate a magistrate.

 There was surprise when Francistown High Court judge, Justice Lot Moroka was recently announced Judge President of the Francistown High Court.

Although many acknowledged that he was suitable for the job, the big question is what does it take to be appointed a Judge President. 

According to practice, the most senior judge in any court becomes its Judge President. At the time of appointing Justice Moroka Francistown High Court’s most senior judge, taking over from Justice Zibani Makhwade who has since joined the Court of Appeal bench.

Though his appointment does not attract any financial benefits, it is a great achievement in terms of boosting his career profile.

His appointment has been welcomed and colleagues in the legal fraternity are looking forward to working with him as one of the advisors to the Chief Justice.

“He is a sagacious man of affairs and an ultra-modern judge who is deeply committed to justice. His ascension to the elevated office of Judge President is fresh air,” said defence lawyer, Mr Friday Leburu.

Mr Leburu stated that Justice Moroka was a fearlessly independent judge with a ferocious work ethic, a first-class legal mind and committed to the highest standards from himself and others.

 Another lawyer, Mr Uyapo Ndadi described Justice Moroka as a widely respected person with integrity. He added that from his time as a junior magistrate  he discharged his duties without fear or favour.

“He has led at the magistracy before, so leadership is not foreign to him,” he said, adding that Justice Moroka was inspirational, has the right attitude, impeccable work ethic and the courage to lead.

 Justice Moroka holds a BA degree in law (LLB) from the University of Botswana and a Master’s degree in law from the University of Cape Town (UCT) in South Africa.

 He has served as a chief magistrate as well as regional magistrate before joining the High Court bench in Lobatse and later transferred to Francistown.

While a regional magistrate, Justice Moroka presided over criminal and civil matters, and one of the criminal high profile cases was that of the Bakgatla regiment which flogged residents. ENDS