Another man lays claim to Ratholo chieftaincy

Goitsemodimo Kaelo | Thursday September 21, 2017 16:01

 

In the application, Phukula cited the Attorney General (on behalf of the Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Slumber Tsogwane), and Mangadi as first and second respondents respectively. Just like in the Direkileng’s case, Lobatse High Court judge, Abednigo Tafa, will hear Phukula’s application.

In his founding affidavit, Phukula wants the court to declare the report of Barolong regent Kgosi Motshegare that was presented to Tribal Administration null and void. Early this year, Bangwato Regent Kgosi Sediegeng Kgamane assigned Motshegare to investigate the dispute and present a report to bring an end to the impasse. Phukula wants Mangadi relieved from his duties as Ratholo Kgosi and him (Phukula) be appointed with immediate effect. Kgosi Motshegare’s delegation meeting of August 23, 2016, influenced the minister’s decision.

He said peace has eluded the village of Ratholo ever since the minister appointed Mangadi as the village chief in June 2017.  He pointed out an occasion when some villagers decided to boycott a meeting addressed by Mangadi because they said he was not the rightful heir.

According to Phukula he is the rightful heir because his great grandfather was the first settler in Ratholo village in 1800.

The other reasons is that when Mangadi family came to settle in Ratholo his great grand father was the one who allocated them a piece of land to settle as he was the village chief. He said at the time the village was called Kupane. Ratholo village’s chieftainship has been riddled with controversy since the death of Kgosi Molefe Mangadi in 2012. A chief from a neighbouring village has been acting as Ratholo chief awaiting the formal appointment of the village chief.  The current Kgosi, Mangadi was installed in June 2017 amidst murmurs and opposition from some sections of the village residents who said he was not the rightful heir.