Former ANC chief whip Mathole Motshekga has warned of potential bloodshed in the Balobedu nation should divisions over the throne persist.
Motshekga made the claim in court papers filed before the North Gauteng High Court in Pretoria which is due to hear an urgent application tomorrow in a bid to stop the inauguration of Prince Lekukela Modjadji from happening on Saturday.
Motshekga, who is the legal guardian of Lekukela’s younger sister Princess Masalanabo Modjadji, has been fighting to secure her place as the next reigning queen of the prominent Limpopo dynasty known for its rain-making powers.
The succession battle which started after the death of Rain Queen Makobo Modjadji VI in 2005 has intensified, pitting her children Lekukela and Masalanabo against each other.
Motshekga wants the court to stop the planned ceremony to install Lekukela from ascending the throne from happening.
In his founding affidavit, Motshekga made reference to a cease and desist letter which was sent to the royal council last Friday, warning them not to proceed. In the letter, Motshekga’s lawyers Phosa Loots Attorneys stated that going ahead to install Lekukela would drive divisions among the Balobedu people.
“The situation at present is volatile and may end in bloodshed if the coronation is allowed to continue with their false claims as aforesaid. What is being done at the moment is merely a dishonest campaign to cling to power and to divide the Balobedu nation so as to make it difficult for the Queen-elect Masalanabo should she succeed in her claim as rightful successor,” it read.
Motshekga further stated that he instructed his lawyers to draft the letter after learning that invitations were sent to other kingdoms and the media, informing them of the ceremony. He maintains that the council has ignored the fact that Masalanabo was recognised by both the Tolo Commission and President Cyril Ramaphosa as the rightful successor.
At the centre of the squabbles is another case lodged by Motshekga to challenge the royal council selection of Lekukela as king, which is expected to be heard before the court on October 10.
He further stated that it became apparent that the council has no intentions of backing down, which resulted in him approaching the court for urgent relief.
Senior associate at Phosa Loots Inc, Andries Nkome, said they were certain the court would rule in their client’s favour. “It has been out there for the longest of time that preparations are afoot for the appointment of the prince. We now have to make sure that all is not continued with,” Nkome said.
Spokesperson for the royal council Ronnie Moroatshehla said they were ready to defend the case.
“SA is a democratic state, so the Motshekgas are free to approach the courts. Unfortunately, we are dealing with outsiders. They don’t know the processes we follow when we install leaders,” Moroatshehla said.
Moroatshehla said sacred traditional rituals were expected to start with a night vigil tomorrow to prepare for the following day.
He said if the court issues a judgment in favour of Motshekga, they would have to postpone the event. He said it was unlikely that Motshekga would win the case because it would not pass the urgency test in terms of law.
“For an outsider to come and think that he can dictate to us on how to run our family affairs is disturbing,” he said.
Moroatshehla said Lekukela was ready to take over the throne.
mahopoz@sowetan.co.za
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.