Diamonds In The Rough

Much of the officials’ attention had centred on the Kgosi’s perceived partnership with Max “Raphalane” Hirschfeldt in the procurement and processing for overseas export of Kgalagadi game-products. Attention was also drawn to allegations that the Bakwena tribal administration was turning a blind eye to cattle smuggling rings operating in their territory, which was indeed the case at the time throughout much of the Protectorate.

The authorities were also disturbed about another undeclared export that was allegedly being traded through the Bakwena Tribal Office – diamonds. One intelligence report alleged that Sebele himself had a jar full of rough stones in his office, which he discretely offered for purchase to visitors. If this was true, the Mokwena’s sales remained discreet. No evidence is known to have been uncovered of him having ever illicitly traded in diamonds smuggled by Bakwena miners, as initially feared.