Butale digs heels in
Innocent Selatlhwa | Monday August 7, 2023 16:16
Last week, a court order issued by Justice Zein Kebonang upheld the BPF’s decision to expel Butale from the party. In response, the faction declared Reatile as their new leader and revealed plans for an elective congress, signalling hope for the party’s future.
Butale, however, refuses to back down. Unsatisfied with the lower court’s ruling, he promptly filed an appeal with the Court of Appeal, seeking to challenge the decision that led to his suspension and subsequent expulsion from the BPF.
In an act of defiance, Butale and his supporters organised a gathering in Molepolole over the weekend. A well-resourced multimedia team was present to document the event, with intentions to share videos across various social media platforms, portraying Butale as the legitimate BPF leader with significant backing. When questioned about the possibility of defying the court order, Butale stated that he respects the judgment but does not believe it prevents him from fulfilling his duties.
He justified his actions by pointing out alleged contempt of court orders previously issued by Justice Matlhogonolo Phuthego and upheld by Justice Michael Motlhabi, against his opponents within the party. Remaining confident in his position, Butale continued to address BPF members as their president. He announced plans to meet with BPF members in Francistown in the upcoming weekend, reinforcing his belief in their unwavering support. “The judgment is one thing, but it is the court order that we follow.
Our main issue when approaching the court was their contempt of the court orders issued by Justice Phuthego and Justice Motlhabi. If they have a problem with my actions, they can approach the court, and we’ll see if they will win,” he stated concerning the sentence pending on their ‘contemptuous conduct’ to be delivered today (August 7).
The ongoing dispute traces back to Butale’s suspension by the party's disciplinary committee. He was accused of inciting members to campaign against the BPF during the recent Mmaphula East ward by-election in Palapye. Additionally, he faced allegations of mishandling party funds and collaborating with party rivals to destabilise the BPF.
In response to his suspension, Butale took action by recalling Reatile (the vice president), Lawrence Ookeditse (secretary for information and publicity), and Dr Kolaatamo Malefho (secretary for health) from their positions in the national executive committee. Subsequently, he suspended them from the party, leading to his own expulsion.
The conflict culminated in Butale seeking legal recourse to address the situation. As the legal battle rages on, the BPF remains deeply divided, with Butale steadfastly maintaining his claim as the party's legitimate president. The uncertainty surrounding the leadership situation has left the party in a state of unrest and the public eagerly awaits further developments in this political drama.