Seretse denies Kgafela's allegations

BAME PIET
Staff Writer | Wednesday November 30, 2011 00:00

 

In a brief interview yesterday he said, 'it is not true what he said, but I would not want to engage in media exchanges with him because he is a Kgosi,' he said. Seretse said he preferred not to discuss further the details of the meeting between him, Parks Tafa, and Kgosi Kgafela.

When reached for comment Tafa said that he 'had a private meeting with Kgafela which was very constructive  and no names of people were discussed'.

'Our efforts to reconcile Bagatla tribal leaders with government are bearing fruit,' Tafa said. He did not want to discuss the meeting in detail. At a Monday Kgotla meeting, Kgafela alleged that some ministers have confided in him that they are not happy with the criminal charges brought against Bakgatla tribal authorities, which emanate from destruction of a Mascom Wireless tower in Mochudi last year, and the flogging of suspects without first being tried.

Minister of Local Government Peter Siele, Lebonaamang Mokalake, Molokomme and other government officials addressed the meeting. 

Kgafela accused the government of allowing a woman to control them saying that men should stand up and take their position in governing. At the same meeting, perhaps ignorant of court procedures, Kgosi Bana Sekai Linchwe announced that they have won the case, when infact, the case is scheduled for next year when the parties are expected to make final submissions. The Attorney General explained that the State has finished presenting its case, and all the accused persons opted to remain silent when asked what they had to say in response to the charges.

At the same meeting, some speakers said that they were against the death penalty and that the Constitution should be reviewed to halt the practice. The speakers said that they did not recognise government's decision to de-recognise their Kgosi, arguing that nobody, but only himself - Kgafela - had the power to step down from the position.