Palapye CS threatens attorney over 'improper' letter

In a strongly worded response dated August 17, Kuti maintained that Kabo Ketshogile remains the lawful council chairperson because the ministerial decision reinstating him has not been overturned by a court. Kuti was responding to an August 12 letter from Tony Matilo Attorneys, acting for Ikanyeng, which demanded that the deputy chairperson lead all council proceedings until the High Court decides the leadership dispute. Kuti accused the lawyers’ letter of being “highly irregular and improper” despite its reliance on the sub judice rule.

The council secretary argued that the rule was meant to stop people, including lawyers, from making comments that could prejudice the Administration of Justice. In Kuti’s view, the demand sought to influence council proceedings before Justice Moncho Moncho delivers his ruling on September 28. Kuti described the letter as a deliberate attempt to bypass the judicial process and pre-empt the court’s decision.