Fireworks are expected at the North West High Court in South Africa this week, when the court will deliver judgment on whether embattled Bakgatla paramount chief, Kgafela Kgafela is the legitimate leader of Bakgatla in Moruleng or not.
Last week Thursday, Kgafela II appeared briefly before North West High Court President, Monica Leeuw as the case in which he had applied for his uncle, Nyalala Pilane to be removed from office as he (Kgafela) was the rightful paramount chief of Bakgatla both in Botswana and South Africa, dragged on.
Scores of Kgafela’s supporters in Botswana and Moruleng filled the court to capacity on Thursday while Nyalala Pilane’s supporters did not turn up. Leeuw postponed the matter to July 2nd, saying more time is needed for the case to be argued.
When addressing his supporters outside court, Kgafela II, who was surrounded by his body guards, said he is hopeful that he will win the case.
Should he win the case, Kgafela II said he intends to collect all valuables that belong to the tribe and put them in one place so that they know what property belongs to them.
He said he will not stop his campaign to fight for his people in the courts of law and vowed that all those who looted the funds and properties of the tribe in Moruleng will be charged.
Kgafela urged his supporters to come to court in large numbers in July 2 “when the court rules in our favor and pronounces our victory.”
Meanwhile some of Kgafela II’s supporters from Botswana told this publication that they are happy to have met their chief after a very long time.
“We were happy to see him especially when he addressed us after the court session. That is why we ululated and sang traditional songs. He is our chief and we know he loves traditional songs,” they said.
They also declared that Kgafela II will win and assume his role as their legitimate chief both in Botswana and South Africa.
“We are not worried about Botswana because he remains the paramount chief and no one has challenged him,” they said. Former Member of Parliament for Kgatleng East, Isaac Davids also attended the court proceedings in Mafikeng.
