12 Feb 2026

Tension is escalating between Lentswelemoriti residents and a faction of the St. Engenas Zion Christian Church (ZCC) council over issues of consultation and land ownership.

The church council faction installed a high-voltage electric fence without community consultation, sparking safety concerns. Residents feel excluded from decision-making processes, while the church claims it's private land and doesn't need their approval.

Chairperson of Lentswe le Moriti Village Advisory Committee, Mr Batsidi Tsae, said residents and the village leadership were excluded from the decisions on the installation of an electric fence that encircles their homesteads.

"If this was done in the interest of providing security from wildlife, the graveyard and the water pump would not be left out in the encirclement.We understand the need for security, but we also have the right to be heard, our voices matter, and our concerns need to be taken into consideration,“ he said.

Mr Tsae further stated this move has also affected the government's efforts to improve the livelihoods of the Lentswelemoriti community, which include connection of the village to the national electricity grid and installation of tower lights through the Community Constituency Fund, among others.

Kgosi Bethuel Machete of Motlhabaneng and Lentswe le Moriti village also expressed concern over the installed surveillance camera situated near the village. He explained that there had been no consultation with the community about the purpose of this camera.

However Mr Daniel Lefadola, who is also a church elder and is believed to be part of a faction, neither confirmed nor denied the concerns raised. He stated that he was not assigned to address any issues; instead, he attended the kgotla meeting to listen, just like any other church member.

In addressing the issue, Minister of Local Government and Traditional Affairs Mr Ketlhalefile Motshegwa  called for collaboration between Lentswelemoriti village leadership and ZCC church council, emphasising Kgosi's authority and respect for human rights. BOPA