17 Feb 2026

In Lentswelemoriti, a Zion Christian Church (ZCC) mission village, nestled in the Bobirwa District, a brewing tension has sparked unrest among residents as a faction from the church council’s decision to install a high-voltage electric fence has ignited concerns over community safety and lack of proper consultation and communication.

Villagers expressed concerns during a kgotla meeting addressed by Minister of Local Government and Traditional Affairs, Mr Ketlhalefile Motshegwa at the village recently.

Speaking on behalf of the community, the Chairperson of Lentswelemoriti Village Advisory Committee, Mr Batsidi Tsae, said villagers and the village leadership were excluded from the decisions on the installation of an electric fence that encircled their homesteads. He expressed discontent, stating that villagers were never consulted nor informed about the installation, and to their surprise, only a small portion of the village had been encircled, leaving out the village graveyard and the water pump station.

Mr Tsae stated that the electric fence compromised the safety of the community since it was positioned close to the fences of some of the homesteads. Instead of providing security, it has become a source of anxiety for residents, who feel uneasy knowing that the high-voltage barrier now surrounds their homes. He said this situation has raised questions about the safety measures and whether the well-being of the community was adequately considered, and if this was done in the interest of providing security from the endangered wildlife, these areas would not be left out in the encirclement, since they are an integral part of human life at the village.

“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. We feel this encirclement was done for some hidden agenda,” he said.

Mr Tsae further said the faction from the church council obstructed the government initiatives that included connection of the village to the national electricity grid and installation of tower lights through the Community Constituency Fund, amongst others, that intend to enhance societal livelihoods in the village.

Kgosi Bethuel Machete of Motlhabaneng and Lentswelemoriti villages also expressed concern regarding the installed surveillance camera situated near the village. He explained that there had been no consultation with the community about the purpose and intended use of the camera.

Kgosi Machete said the lack of communication has left villagers uncertain and apprehensive about its function, creating a sense of distrust regarding the reasons for surveillance in their proximity.

A resident, Ms Silvia Mulauzi explained that a faction within the church has caused confusion and might lead to divisions within both the church and the village. She mentioned that some of the new, imposed church policies were making it difficult for the congregation to fully practice.

Ms Mulauzi noted that it had always been customary for ZCC prayers to be conducted three times a day, in the morning, afternoon and evening, but this faction has disrupted that tradition.

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.

However, 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 concerns raised, Mr Motshegwa underscored the need for a collaborative relationship between the village leadership and the church council. He emphasised the recognition of Kgosi’s authority to convene village meetings, saying communication and cooperation would make a difference in efforts to resolve the issues at hand.

Mr Motshegwa articulated that if the village fails to resolve through community dialogue, a formalised rule of law will be invoked.

In such a scenario, both the villagers and the church council will be obligated to comply with outcomes, ensuring that justice and order are maintained within the community. He further pointed out that Lentswe le Moriti is officially recognised as a village. While it predominantly operates under church policies, it is imperative to uphold and respect the human rights of all individuals residing in the area.

“Government holds a profound respect for the role of churches, as they are vital in promoting peace, unity, and social cohesion within society,” Mr Motshegwa stated.ENDS