The appeal came through a motion by Kgosi Sediegeng Kgamane who asked the Ntlo to request government to specifically assign stock theft cases as well as their appeals to Customary Courts only. Members of the Ntlo supported the motion saying when such cases are referred to Magistrates' Courts, they take too long and exhibits such as meat, livestock and hides are destroyed during the process. They said attorneys delay cases and advise their clients to kill livestock to destroy evidence. They added that magistrates, most of whom are not Batswana, are not familiar with livestock colours and their earmarks, hence it is easy for criminals to escape the wrath of the law through misinterpretations. They added that Magistrates' Courts are scary to rural people; interpreters distort information; and that many farmers cannot afford the services of attorneys since they have been left impoverished by stock thieves.
Kgosi Letlole Thobega of Mmankgodi accused attorneys of conniving with thieves and magistrates in committing crimes and defeating the ends of justice. He said that in his village, stock theft is so serious that even teenagers steal their parents' livestock and sell to butcheries, and the punishment is not so serious because they are often represented by Social Workers.
