Mamokgalake Lesiba John Choene’s banishment documents stated that he was dismissed from the Chieftainship for not paying back money borrowed from certain white people under false pretenses. Additionally, he allegedly disregarded orders from the Chief Native Commissioner (CNC).
He vowednot to return to the Pietersburg District, [Northern] Transvaal [now Polokwane, Limpopo Province] after his time in goal and pledged to go work in Springs [East Rand, now Gauteng].
He was accused, however, of making several secret visits to the location and instigating defiance against the Acting Chief, and of having a detrimental effect on the “peace, order and good governance” of the community. He was banished to Delville Trust Farm, Xhalanga District, Eastern Province [now Eastern Cape] on 3 July 1954.
His banishment order was revoked on 25 May 1962.
Contribution by Professor S. Badat on Banishment, Rhodes University, 2012. From the book, Forgotten People - Political Banishment under Apartheid by Professor S. Badat.