If it were indeed an abnormality, as relayed in the stories carried in this edition, for the Bahurutshe-boo-Manyana, Kgosi Kebinatshwene Mosielele to be draped in leopard skin, why then did the government approve their application for their hides, only to turn around after external influence to confiscate them? The chronology of events raises eyebrows, as it is not even clear why the government quickly decided to confiscate the hides.
It is common knowledge that government’s actions were influenced by the Bangwaketse who feel that Kgosi Kebinatshwene’s donning of leopard skin will be a direct challenge to the authority of the Bangwaketse leader, Kgosi Malope II, who presides over the entire territory, including Manyana. Government seems to have reached a decision after listening to one side of the story, without engaging Bahurutshe on the importance and significance of draping their chief in a leopard skin. Let’s for argument sake say, only one chief is supposed to be draped in whatever animal skin of significance to the territory, wouldn’t the rules and regulations be already known to that particular territory as well as government?
