ROYAL MISCHIEF

On Tuesday, 48-year-old Israel Bobo Legotlwane, the Headman of Records in Tshidilamolomo village, was suspended from his duties and temporarily barred from serving the community.On August 1, 2024, Minister of Local Government and Rural Development Kgotla Autlwetse issued the first suspension letter concerning reports that the Phitshane/Molopo police station was investigating the village leader for defilement, contrary to Section 147 of the Penal Code.Residents were later gathered on August 13, 2024 at Tshidilamolomo Kgotla to be formally informed about the official suspension of their village leader.The 48-year-old suspect, Legotlwane is accused of impregnating a minor and later arranging an abortion for her. The minor, who was attending junior school in Mabule, has been moved to another school to avoid further embarrassment.After returning from a trip for the abortion, the minor fell ill, and a health facility discovered that she had been pregnant and had lost the pregnancy. Tests indicated a forced miscarriage, and the incident was reported to the police immediately.An anonymous source told The Midweek Sun this week that the issue has sent shockwaves across the whole tiny Tshidilamolomo village and that the bad news has been making circles for some time. There was gossip that the chief is abusing minor girls, most of which was never reported."We are glad the girl reported the matter, we will offer her support, leaders who do these should be exposed," one angry resident who works in the tribal administration centre, said.The suspension letter was read by Kanye Senior Chief representative Kgosi Kwelagobe Mookodi accompanied by Headman Odirile Sekwenyane. They also announced that temporary chiefs Morota Tiro for Mabule and Richard Kgotla for Mmakgosi village, will assist during Mogotlwane’s suspension.Mookodi urged the residents not to discriminate against the suspended village chief, as the matter he is facing is still under investigation. He also warned that no one should seek the vacancy, as Legotlwane has been suspended, not expelled from the post.Mookodi further assured residents that letters would be sent to inform them of who will preside over cases during Legotlwane's suspension.When asked whether the leader would be expelled if found guilty, Mookodi did not provide a detailed response but stated that he could not discuss cases that are still under investigation.

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ROYAL MISCHIEF