Mopeli settled in Qwaqwa in 1866 where he lived in Monontsa near Witsie's Cave (Lekhalong la Witsie). Mopeli approached the Orange Free State Volksraad, led by President Johannes Brand, requesting permission to occupy the area, which had been abandoned by Chief Witsie. He was granted permission under the condition that he reimburse ranchers for the cattle that were taken by Chief Witsie. He was recognised as a Morena of the Bakwena. The agreement was signed on 3 April 1866 and it was known as “Khotso ya Mabele” or “The peace of millet”
