Zeerust - North West has recognised Israel Keobusitse Moiloa as the chief of Bahurutshe Ba Ga Moiloa in Dinokana near Zeerust, an official said on Tuesday.

Provincial government spokesman Lesiba Moses Kgwele said a commission on traditional leadership dispute and claims had determined Israel Moiloa was the rightful heir to the throne.

"From the Commission's report, premier [Thandi] Modise had established that Israel Keobusitse Moiloa is the first born son of Godfrey Monnamere and therefore the rightful heir and not Charles Tebogo Moiloa," he said.

The Bahurutshe tribe in Dinokana have been embroiled in a succession dispute since the death of Kgosi (chief) Monnaamere Godfrey Moiloa in 2006.

This resulted in a number of court cases and the appointment of an acting chief, Jubilee Moiloa.

Kgwele said the commission had established that the chieftainship of Bahurutshe Ba Ga Moiloa was determined by birth, not election by the tribe.

Any matter relating to the chieftaincy was decided by the royal house.

"The commission had further established that Kgosi Monnaamere Godfrey was installed by the royal house as opposed to allegations made by part of the royal family members that are in support of Charles Moiloa claiming that Godfrey was installed by the erstwhile Bophuthatswana regime rather than royal house."

Kgwele said premier Modise was expected to issue a recognition certificate to the new chief and Jubilee Moiloa was no longer recognised as an acting chief.

Sapa