A new twist has emerged in the Royal Bafokeng succession dispute as Gladwin Koketso Mvianga asks the North West High Court to exhume the remains of the late Kgosi Lebone II for DNA testing to prove he is the late monarch’s son.
Mvianga disputes earlier DNA results that excluded him as a descendant of the royal family, claiming the tests were flawed and improperly handled. He argues that only a direct comparison with Lebone II’s DNA can settle the matter.
The Royal Bafokeng Nation opposes the move, calling it disrespectful to the deceased and contrary to custom. They maintain that the previous results were valid and that exhumation would violate the dignity of the royal grave.
Kgosi Lebone II, who died in 1996, was succeeded by his son Kgosi Leruo Molotlegi, the current ruler. The case highlights the clash between modern scientific evidence and traditional values in royal succession disputes.