Sebele to lose customary court of appeal presidency

ISAIAH MOREWAGAE
Staff Writer | Tuesday February 16, 2010 00:00

 

Sebele has been jailed for four years after he was convicted by Molepolole magistrate Dumisane Basupi for stealing a billy goat worth P800 belonging to Mhiko Gabatlale of Sojwe.

 The spokeperson in the Ministry of Local Government, Tigele Mokobi said in an interview that it is highly unlikely that Sebele will continue to serve as the president of the customary court of appeal. He explained that Kgosi Kgabosetso II Mosielele has been acting president of the customary court (South) since the Sebele matter went to court.

Mokobi said the matter is still before the courts hence the ministry can only take the necessary steps after the court has concluded the matter.

'The position shall be filled as soon as the matter relating to Kgosikwena Sebele is cleared', Mokobi said.

Sebele has been at the helm of the customary court of appeal since September 2007. The former Bakwena regent had been serving as deputy president of the customary court of appeal and succeeded the late Bakgatla paramount chief, Kgosi Linchwe II as president.

Section 8 (1) of the Public Service Act stipulates that no person who has been convicted of an offence involving moral turpitude or who has been dismissed from the public service shall be appointed to any public office without the approval of the President. This shuts the door on the recently convicted former Bakwena regent and customary court of appeal president.