Picture: (One of RATC members in a tussle with police)
By OBAKENG MAJE
Two members of Re Aga Taung Civic organisation were arrested after a tumult at Batlhaping Baga-Phuduhucwana Tribal Authority offices in Taung on Friday. This came after RATC members embarked on a peaceful march demanding that Kgosi Tshepo Mankuroane be dethroned from his chieftaincy position.
RATC members were supposed to submit memorandum, but their attempts were futile. They were welcomed by the high presence of rival group, Tsibogo Ya Taung Civic organisation. The disagreement ensued between the two lobbying groups and police were called.
RATC members were later detached out of the Batlhaping Baga-Phuduhucwana Tribal Authority offices. RATC Chairperson, Disco Lebitse said that Mankuroane failed dismally to perform his duties.
Picture: (One of police officers trying to prevent our photographer from taking pictures)
“Mankuroane continues to neglect his duties as the chief. The Batlhaping Baga-Phuduhucwana Tribal Council’s administration is marred with corruption, fraud and maladministration under his stewardship.”
“There are so many challenges such as divergence in land allocation, selling of land to foreign nationals, businesses operating in Taung without following legislation measures and projects stoppage. He also said the Taung Cultural Calabash event continues to benefit the few only.
He said the overlapping responsibilities especially on the land have resulted in conflicts between the two authorities, local and traditional.
However, two members of RATC, Oratile Segosapelo and Disco Lebitse were later ensnared to go into offices as Kgosi Tshepo Mankuroane was allegedly ready to meet them.
A fight ensued inside close doors and according to sources that were in the meeting, one of RATC members assaulted Mankuroane and that prompted Tsibogo Ya Taung members to intervene. This led to the arrest of two RATC members.
Mankuroane labelled the behaviour of RATC members as absurd and distasteful. He said what happened was strange and there is a third force involved.
“It is not for the first we experienced this. However, I urge our people not to be used and if they have any grievances, they must follow proper channels. I am using open door policy and anyone who would like to come and engage with me, I am always available.
“We have House of Traditional Leaders in the province and law enforcement agencies, if you are not happy about any matter. I already took legal actions against those who were behind these shenanigans because I believe their actions are equal to sedition,” Makuroane said.
He also confirmed that he has opened an assault case against one of RATC members. According to Tsibogo Ya Taung Civic organisation chairperson, Goitseone Legodu, the RATC march was illegal.
Legodu said: “We urge our community members to follow proper channels when embarking on protests. We are not against anyone, however, this march was illegal. The RATC members are now using force to address their grievances and it is wrong.”
NB: This is a developing story
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