Deep fault lines have emerged within some sections of the Kgatleng royalty over who should receive the roving torch when it arrives at the main Kgotla in Mochudi.
Senior Chief Representative, Segale Linchwe has said he will be receiving the roving torch that is part of the 50 years celebrations of independence.
Others had wanted the torch to be received by Kgosi Bana Sekai, who together with Kgosi kgolo Kgafela, the government has severed ties.
Kgafela is currently in self imposed exile in South Africa.
Early on there was confusion with some tribesmen saying they do not want the torch to pass through Mochudi.
There were even calls on the tribe to boycott the arrival of the torch.
So serious were the allegations that security agents are on a high alert and monitoring the situation.
Reports from Mochudi indicate that members of the security forces have been deployed to Mochudi to monitor the situation as the roving torch is slated to arrive at the main kgotla this Wednesday.
It is reported that an unidentified group is already mobilizing members of the public in Mochudi not to attend the event to welcome when the torch in their village.
The boycott was aimed at sending a message to the Government that Bakgatla want the return of their exiled Kgosikgolo Kgafela expedited. They also demand the reinstatement of Kgafela’s deputy Kgosi Bana Sekai.
Speaking to The Telegraph Kgosi Segale said he will be the one receiving the roving torch.
“I want to put the record straight that I am the one who will be receiving the roving torch at the kgotla, not anybody else.”
He said he was aware of some “delinquents” who are planning to disturb the arrival of the torch, adding that they will be “dealt with.”
“They should just try their luck and they will get what they want,” he warned.
Segale said there are some dissidents influencing others and demanding that Sekai should be the one to receive the torch.
“I want to take this opportunity to strongly warn those who happen to have intentions to disturb the arrival of the torch this week that it is better if they stay away at their homes,” he said.
He said he is deeply disappointed by the fact that the main kgotla hs not been ‘decorated’ as expected.
Officer commanding in Mochudi police station senior superintendent Samuel Tlhobogang said that they have not encountered any challenges since the roving torch arrived inside the Kgatleng District almost a month ago.
He said they have not received any information indicating that some sections of the society intend to cause havoc when the torch arrives at the main kgotla.
