Who owns Lentswe le Moriti?

What was once a place of faith, unity and shared history has now become the centre of a bitter and emotionally charged land dispute that has left residents feeling betrayed, threatened and uncertain about their future.

The dispute erupted after St Engenas Church council chairperson, Piet Lekganyane, informed residents that they had no authority to request government development in the area because the land in question is privately owned. According to him, Lentswe-le-Moriti is a farm under private ownership, and therefore, any government intervention or infrastructure development, such as electricity installation, would require the church’s consent.