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The long-running Bangwaketse royal dispute has taken a fresh turn after the court dismissed a bid to introduce DNA evidence, clearing the way for trial proceedings against Metlhaeno Gaseitsewe-Bathoen.Appearing before Kanye Senior Magistrate Keneilwe Kgoadi last Thursday, Metlhaeno’s attempt to have a DNA test considered as part of his defence was turned down. The court ruled that the application was not relevant to the matter before it.In a detailed ruling, Kgoadi addressed several issues raised by the defence, stating that any challenge to the legitimacy of bogosi should be pursued through a separate legal process.The Magistrate found that the current case strictly deals with allegations that Metlhaeno insulted and undermined the authority of the Bangwaketse Paramount Chief, Kgosi Malope II.The matter has now been set for trial from May 4th to 7th, where Metlhaeno is expected to answer to the charges.The case stems from a controversial letter written by Metlhaeno on February 13, 2024, in which he questioned the chief’s lineage and leadership.The letter, which circulated widely and was read at the main kgotla, forms the basis of the prosecution’s case.In the letter, Metlhaeno used strong language directed at the chief, accusing him of lacking both royal blood and the capacity to lead.It is this communication that prosecutors argue crossed the line and violated provisions of the Bogosi Act, which protects the dignity of traditional leadership.Metlhaeno, 59, has pleaded not guilty and continues to stand by his statements. He insists his actions are rooted in a desire to correct what he views as a wrong, maintaining that the issue of lineage cannot be ignored.Despite the setback in court, Metlhaeno has shown no signs of retreat. His position remains that the question of legitimacy sits at the heart of the dispute, even as the court has drawn a line between that issue and the charges he now faces.The upcoming trial is expected to draw strong interest among the Bangwaketse community, where divisions over the matter have played out both in public gatherings and in court corridors.Key witnesses are expected to take the stand, including Bangwaketse Deputy Paramount Chief Kebapetse Telekelo, whose testimony may prove central in unpacking events surrounding the letter and its impact within the tribe.Supporters of Kgosi Malope II have continued to attend court proceedings in numbers, a reflection of the weight the matter carries within the community.With the DNA question set aside for now, the court will focus on whether Metlhaeno’s words amounted to an insult under the law and whether they undermined the authority of the paramount chief.

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