The Jazz King (Part 6)

We left off in 1917 with Sebele II a-Kealeboga and the other members of the Bechuanaland Company of the South African Native Labour Contingent (SANLC) in France.

As previously noted, the South African authorities were eager to ensure that while they were in Europe, the contingent was kept isolated from casual contact with Europeans or otherwise exposed to the wider social environment in ways that might cause them to question white supremacy.

Besides directing that SANLC members be confined to prison like compounds when not on duty, the South Africans insisted that they be segregated as much as possible when on duty and be kept away from frontline combat. But, a combination of the exigencies of war and resistance on the part of the black troops themselves ensured that these restrictions were not fully realised.

Editor's Comment
‘Boraboko’ should face the wrath of the law

Still in Molepolole, a young woman was also reported missing, only for her decapitated body to be found inside in a shallow grave! The issue of missing persons has always been a challenge in our country, and a considerable number of missing persons are unfortunately found dead! Something troubling is the murders related to missing persons, which touch on an array of issues, including the killing of intimate partners, often referred to as passion...

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