'African tribe' banned from returning to former camp

The "tribe" have been staying in woods in Jedburgh for several months

A court has banned a self-styled African tribe from moving back to private land they had already been evicted from in the Borders.

The three people, who call themselves the Kingdom of Kubala, are currently camping on council-owned land in Jedburgh.

They were not at the hearing at Selkirk Sheriff Court on Wednesday where Sheriff Peter Paterson awarded expenses against them.

The group, who have been camping in the Jedburgh area since May, have said they do not recognise the powers of the courts and have so far refused to engage with the authorities

Last week, the court granted an order banning them from any council land in the area, including where they are currently staying.

They had previously been staying on private land a few metres away but set up a new camp on council property when sheriff officers were sent in.

Meanwhile, Scottish Borders Council members have urged police to take a tougher stance against the trio.

The group say they do not recognise the power of the courts

Ghanaian Kofi Offeh, 36, and Jean Gasho, 43, who is originally from Zimbabwe, first arrived in the area in the spring.

Describing themselves as King Atehehe and Queen Nandi, they set up camp on a hillside above the town in the Scottish Borders.

They were joined by "handmaiden" Kaura Taylor, from Texas, who calls herself Asnat.

The three members of the group have previously said they are reclaiming land that was stolen from their ancestors 400 years ago.