UDC vows to drop charges against Kgafela if voted into power
Lerato Maleke | Wednesday September 17, 2014 13:32
Speaking during the launch of Mochudi, Mosanto North candidate, Tona Mooketsi, over the weekend, UDC Mochudi West candidate Gilbert Mangole accused President Ian Khama of ill-treating Kgafela.
“You no longer have a chief. You have turned into orphans while our chief is still alive. This is because of the ruling party and its President, Ian Khama. I urge you all to change the regime come October 24,” he said.
Mangole also encouraged Bakgatla to throw their weight behind Kgafela, who is set for a Constitutional Court appeal in South Africa. Kgafela hopes to be pronounced paramount chief of the tribe in both countries.
Kgafela has reportedly been in South Africa since 2012 after the State pursued a slew of criminal charges against him, connected with the reinstitution of floggings in the village as well as escape from lawful custody. Government had also derecognised him as chief.
Meanwhile, Mooketsi’s launch was a grand affair, which attracted a massive crowd. The council candidate had initially pushed for a parliamentary ticket, but was denied it after the party opted for Mangole.
Addressing the sizeable crowd from Maruleng a Ratsheola, a famous political spot in the village, Mooketsi diffused allegations that he no longer lives in the ward he is standing in.
“I am still a Mosanta North resident.
My mother, sisters and brother all live here. I have built myself a house in Makakatlela ward but that doesn’t mean that I am no longer a resident here,” he said.
Mooketsi, who is also Kgatleng District Council chairman, said he expected victory as he had proven himself to the electorate. “I also have better qualifications and experience compared to my opponents from the other parties. There is no competition for me here,” he said.