Maseru, Apr. 18 — Mako Mohale, Ntsubise Mohale, Mankhahle Mohale and Mantolo Mohale have approached the Court of Appeal as they seek to establish their legitimacy within the Mohale family.
Their legitimacy was questioned after the marriage between their grandmother Mamopeli Mohale and the late Chief Nkhahle Mohale was reportedly declared null and void. Reports show that in 1982, the High Court found that their father, the late Mopeli Mohale was not a legitimate son of the late Chief Nkhahle Mohale. It was also declared that Mopeli Mohale was, in law, an illegitimate descendant of the late Chief Nkhahle Mohale and Mamopeli Mohale.
Their legal representative Advocate Motiea Teele (KC) argued before the Court of Appeal that they are no longer pursuing chieftainship but want the issue of legitimacy resolved. He said Thato Mohale, who is one of the respondents in the appeal, can continue to enjoy the chieftainship adding that his children will become successors.
He argued that if a declarator of legitimacy is made there will not be any prejudice suffered by the respondents. He stated that a question of belonging to a father and an extended family is crucial for a Mosotho child. He pointed out that the issue of status of a person can arise at any time, adding that status cannot be waived.
