The Department of Tribal Administration has appointed Bakgatla regent, Lenchwe Mothibe, as president of the Customary Court of Appeal.
The position fell vacant after the recent incarceration of former president Kgosikwena Sebele after he was found guilty of stock theft.
Mothibe Lenchwe is expected to assume office starting next month.
The Deputy Director of Tribal Administration, Tumelo Seboko, confirmed the appointed on Monday.
He also said the position was not advertised, but the Minister of Local Government, under which tribal administration falls, used his own discretion to appoint Mothibe.
“The minister has powers to head hunt anyone and appoint them without advertising the position. We can only implement the minister’s instructions,” said Seboko.
Mothibe Lenchwe was appointed sometime last week, and he is expected to start work next month.
His appointment is on a three year contract.
“We are confident that Kgosi Mothibe Lenchwe will be able to carry out his duties, given his vast experience in tribal matters,” he said.
Mothibe Lenchwe, who is a teacher by profession, became the regent of Bakgtla after the late Kgosi Lechwe II was appointed the first president of the customary court of appeal around 1990s.
He led the tribe until Lenchwe passed away almost two years ago, then handed power to Kgosikgolo Kgafela last year.
Kgosikwena Sebele then took over the presidency of the customary court of appeal, until he was sentenced to four years in prison for stock theft early this year.
Mothibe Lenchwe could not be reached for comment as he was said to be on a five-day official trip.
