Hopolang Mokhopi
THE chief of Masianokeng Ha Mapetla, Mabusetsa Motumi, has come under fire following allegations that he harassed social media personality and adult content creator Reatile “Reah” Nthako and attempted to expel her from the village.
The controversy stems from a meeting held on Monday at the chief’s court, where Ms Nthako had been summoned. It is alleged that during the meeting, Chief Motumi ridiculed her over a viral video in which she used a carrot in a sexually explicit act. Reports claim he handed her a carrot and told her it was meant for eating, not for the acts depicted in the video.
He is also accused of ordering Ms Nthako and her husband, Selimo Litau, to leave the village within two days. The couple, who have been renting a flat in the area for less than a month, were reportedly left distressed by the incident.
The situation gained further attention after it emerged that members of the media had allegedly been called to witness the encounter, raising concerns over Ms Nthako’s humiliation in public.
The controversy follows the circulation of Ms Nthako’s explicit video, which was reportedly downloaded from a pornographic website and widely shared on social media platforms.
Chief Motumi, however, has denied expelling Ms Nthako. In an interview, he maintained that she chose to leave voluntarily after their meeting.
“I did not chase her away. She agreed to leave after we spoke,” he said.
He explained that he had been alerted by community members who were concerned about Ms Nthako’s interaction with students from Mapetla High School. According to him, residents feared her presence and social media activity could negatively influence children.
“I was called by angry community members who questioned why students were excited and whether something inappropriate had occurred,” he said.
Chief Motumi said he investigated the matter at the school but was initially told nothing unusual had happened. However, community members later presented him with photographs showing Ms Nthako posing with students in school uniform.
He said he then summoned her through her landlord, as he did not previously know her. During the meeting, he requested identification documents and a letter from her home chief, which she allegedly did not provide.
According to Chief Motumi, the discussion was held in the presence of the village council, after which Ms Nthako opted to leave and signed a document confirming her decision.
“Our agreement was that she would leave the area. I also advised her to ensure she has proper documentation wherever she goes,” he said.
Mr Litau, however, disputes this version of events, describing the incident as a targeted attack on his wife.
He said he was in Hlotse when he saw videos circulating online showing his wife being humiliated during the meeting.
“My wife told me that when she arrived, there were already cameras from different media houses. She was embarrassed, and the whole situation felt staged,” he said.
He further alleged that the chief used the carrot incident to mock her in front of those present.
“I do not understand what crime she committed. This feels personal,” he added.
The incident has sparked outrage within the Ha Mapetla community, with residents staging a protest yesterday in support of Ms Nthako. Youth groups, in particular, criticised the chief’s conduct, with some calling for his removal, describing his actions as “unbecoming”.
“Show us the people who said she must leave,” one youth protester challenged, arguing that the community had not been consulted.
The matter has also drawn criticism from traditional leadership. Acting Principal Chief of Thaba Bosiu, Chief Leloko Mohalenyane, expressed concern over the alleged treatment of Ms Nthako.
He cautioned against publicly shaming individuals, saying wrongdoing does not justify stripping someone of their rights.
“A person cannot be judged solely on their mistakes. Their right to live freely should not be taken away because they have erred,” he said.
He further urged compassion, invoking the example of King Moshoeshoe I, who was known for promoting forgiveness and unity.
While acknowledging that Ms Nthako’s actions may be viewed as inappropriate, Chief Mohalenyane stressed that such behaviour does not warrant harassment or exclusion.
Following discussions with Chief Motumi, he indicated that the matter should now be laid to rest, adding that Ms Nthako should not be forced to leave the area.
