Lies, deceit, double-cross as BMC P40m saga deepens

The BMC is facing seizure of its assets over a P40m debt
The BMC is facing seizure of its assets over a P40m debt

Former Parliament speaker, Patrick Balopi alleges his namesake, the Agriculture Minister, Patrick Ralotsia duped him into releasing some of the assets legally seized from the Botswana Meat Commission (BMC) due to a P40 million debt, while the two were holding talks on an out-of-court settlement.

The explosive allegations are contained in Balopi’s submissions to the High Court made on Wednesday. Balopi, also a former Cabinet minister, alleges that the Agriculture minister made good faith representations, saying the matter between Balopi’s company, Walgreen Investments and the BMC should be resolved amicably and without resort to courts.

Deputy sheriffs recently seized perishable and movable assets from the BMC in Lobatse, also freezing the parastatal’s main account, due to the P40 million debt owed to Walgreen for outstanding feedlot services. Balopi’s attorney, Tebogo Tladi on Wednesday filed papers before court opposing the BMC recent award of a stay of execution, in the matter in which the assets were seized from the parastatal’s Lobatse headquarters.

Editor's Comment
Inspect the voters' roll!

The recent disclosure by the IEC that 2,513 registrations have been turned down due to various irregularities should prompt all Batswana to meticulously review the voters' rolls and address concerns about rejected registrations.The disparities flagged by the IEC are troubling and emphasise the significance of rigorous voter registration processes.Out of the rejected registrations, 29 individuals were disqualified due to non-existent Omang...

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