Public Announcement : Passing Of Advocate Sekaran Mafisa KC, Second Ombudsman of Lesotho
Office of the Ombudsman, Maseru – 7th April 2026
It is with profound sadness and a heavy heart that I, on behalf of the Office of the Ombudsman (OoO) and the staff, announce the passing of a giant of Lesotho’s legal fraternity, Adv Sekara Mafisa KC, the second Ombudsman of Lesotho. Adv. Mafisa passed away on Wednesday, 1st April 2026.
Adv. Mafisa was a cornerstone of Lesotho’s democracy and public administration, holding trailblazing roles during critical moments in our nation’s history. His commitment to justice and accountability remained steadfast throughout his distinguished career:
(i) Inaugural IEC Chairperson (1997-2000) – he was appointed as the first Chairperson of the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC). He pioneered the administration of independent elections, leading the country through the landmark 1998 general elections, setting the foundation for professional electoral management in Lesotho.
(ii) Second Ombudsman of Lesotho (2002-2010) – succeeding the pioneer Ombudsman, Ntate Mohale Henry Nt’saba, Adv. Mafisa led this institution for two full terms. He was widely respected for his rigorous, fearless handling of maladministration cases, tackling the abuse of authority by public officials with integrity and diligence.
(iii) Legal Legacy – he significantly contributed to legal scholarship in Lesotho, notably through his work, “Promoting Administrative Justice in Lesotho: The Role of the Ombudsman,” which continues to guide administrative law practice.
Adv. Mafisa was not merely a legal luminary; he was a mentor and a true servant of the people who believed that accountability is the cornerstone of good governance. His passing is a great loss to the Kingdom of Lesotho.
Though he has departed, the path he cleared for administrative justice remains. Every time we act to correct injustice and demand fairness, we honor his legacy.
We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, the legal community and the public at large during this difficult time.
May his soul rest in peace and his legacy live on.
Ombudsman of Lesotho
Office of the Ombudsman