Nchere v Roads Directorate (CIV/T 504 of 19) [2019] LSHC 39 (11 November 2019)

Nchere v Roads Directorate (CIV/T 504 of 19) [2019] LSHC 39 (11 November 2019)

Defendant's failure to warn or barricade a hazardous pit near a road created foreseeable risk to pedestrians, establishing liability for damages sustained by plaintiff. Damages awarded based on proven medical expenses, loss of earnings, and general damages, with reductions for insufficient evidence and contingencies.

Citation
[2019] LSHC 39
Parties
Plaintiff: Pekenene Donald Nchere; Defendant: Roads Directorate
Court
High Court
Jurisdiction
Lesotho
Judgment Date
11 November 2019
Case Number
CIV/T 504 of 19
Procedural Posture
Civil Action for Damages / Judgment After Uncontested Hearing
Outcome
Default judgment for plaintiff
Legal Topics
Liability for Omissions, Duty of Care, Damages Assessment, Road Maintenance Liability
Source Language
English

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Parties

Pekenene Donald Nchere

Plaintiff

Roads Directorate

Defendant

Procedural Posture

Civil Action for Damages / Judgment After Uncontested Hearing

  1. 1 Whether the defendant is liable for damages caused by an unprotected pit on a road reserve
  2. 2 Quantum of damages proved

Ratio Decidendi

Defendant's failure to warn or barricade a hazardous pit near a road created foreseeable risk to pedestrians, establishing liability for damages sustained by plaintiff. Damages awarded based on proven medical expenses, loss of earnings, and general damages, with reductions for insufficient evidence and contingencies.

Court Disposition

Default judgment for plaintiff

Orders

  • Medical expenses already incurred: M1,029
  • Estimated future medical expenses: M5,000