The orphan and the ants part 12- The house divided

We last left off with a disastrous raid by a large party of Bakwena on the Bangwaketse cattle posts at Gapeana, near modern Lobatse. In the aftermath of the debacle Tshosa’s son Moruakgomo led the survivors back to the principle Bakwena settlement at Mokgweng, south west of Molepolole

The elderly Bakwena kgosi Seitlhamo had not personally participated in the raid, while the role, if any, of his designated heir Legwale is unclear. What does emerge from the Sekwena accounts is that in the aftermath of the tragedy the conflict between Legwale and Tshosa intensified, with arguments over the allocation of cattle and other royal property.

Apparently over-eager to assert his own martial prowess and the fortunes of his morafe, Legwale then decided to undertake another cattle raiding expedition. According to Tebele he set out for the Banyayi-dominated lands to his north. But the raid ended in another tragedy with Legwale being killed in an apparent ambush in the vicinity of the Shoshong Hills.

Editor's Comment
We should care more for our infrastructure, road safety

These roads, which are vital conduits for trade and tourism, have long been in dire need of repair. However, while this development is undoubtedly a positive step, it also raises questions about broader issues of infrastructural management and road safety that deserve closer scrutiny.The A3 and A33 roads are not just any roads, they are critical arteries that connect Botswana to its neighbours and facilitate the movement of goods and people...

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