Unperturbed Sedimo dismisses suspension
Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | Wednesday May 4, 2022 06:00
Sedimo, who was slapped with a suspension letter on April 28, is accused of misconduct and tarnishing the name of the party. Sedimo said: “I am indifferent. I can’t be suspended by a secret society or 'Fear Fokol' as you guys call them. In fact, I haven’t even gotten the so-called letter. Tota ga ke le (letter) tseye tsia le eseng (I am unperturbed by news of this letter).” Sedimo is the second casualty after his lobby mate Mokgweetsi Kgosipula, who was also recently suspended for tarnishing the image of the party. The two members are said to have granted newspaper interviews saying their party is worse than the ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) when it comes to issues of rigging elections.
According to a suspension letter written by the constituency secretary, Onneile Maitewa, the BNF constitution Section 29.2 mandates the secretary to be the information and publicity chief press officer and has since released a statement contradicting Sedimo's utterance. “Article 5.1.4 grants any member a right to criticise any decision or official of the BNF provided that such criticism shall be made to members of the BNF in a properly convened meeting. During your interviews, you uttered the following words 'BNF office is known for stealing elections and also membership cards being printed at night to steal them' or words to that effect.
On April 26 you led a group of people who seemed intoxicated with liquor to disturb the peace at the BNF head office,” the letter reads. The letter stated that the Molepolole North constituency met and resolved that during his suspension, Sedimo would not be allowed to participate in any party activity pending investigation. However, the letter is not clear on how long Sedimo is on suspension. His team's candidate Molatlhegi, will battle for the control of ‘Puo Phaa’ (BNF) against Duma Boko in the upcoming party congress scheduled for July.