In 1919, Khama sent Modisaotsile to remove Malema's people from the Tuli Block to make way for the British South Africa Company's white settlers. Khama ceded the area of Tuli Block in 1895 to the British government, who had passed it to the BSA Company. Malema refused to leave the place, reasoning that he had already plowed, and Modisaotsile responded with force. His regiments burnt the fields of Malema's people. At some point, Malema was summoned to Serowe in chains, and Bobirwa cattle were also confiscated. Malema was sentenced to death and everyone was ordered to kill him with a spear if he was spotted.
