Kgafela Case: What they said�

Further, Judge Leeuw said she would not consider the fact that Kgafela has been derecognised as the Bakgatla paramount chief in Botswana. Leeuw reminded both Nyalala’s and Kagiso’s defence counsel and supporters that Botswana and South Africa were two different countries, hence have different and independent statutes that govern bogosi.

“Whether Kgafela has a case to answer here in South Africa would be determined by me and I am not going to consider his derecognition back in Botswana and his pending cases when I deliver judgment,” said Judge Leeuw.  “Whatever happened to Kgafela in Botswana doesn’t concern me and the South African government and it ends there,” stated Leeuw, whereupon Kgafela’s supporters began to show smiles. It was smiles all the way in a packed courtroom until Kgafela’s supporters drove back to Botswana while some went to Moruleng.