Mophuting's dream dashed

Pini Bothoko | Tuesday September 5, 2023 06:00

Mophuting, a highly decorated and educated member of the BDF, was appointed as the second-in-command in 2021 following the retirement of Major General Gotsileene Morake.

His initial appointment drew mixed reactions, with some welcoming it and others questioning its compliance with the Military Act. Some argued that such appointments at this level are inherently political and within the President’s prerogative, drawing parallels with historical precedents. Mophuting’s recent redeployment has similarly sparked diverse opinions.

Some speculate that President Mokgweetsi Masisi may not have been comfortable working closely with him, given that he was the immediate successor of BDF Commander Placid Segokgo, who is reportedly approaching retirement. Addressing the matter during a Ministry of Defence and Security media briefing at Hotel 430 in Gaborone, Minister Kagiso Mmusi confirmed the redeployment and dispelled rumours of Mophuting’s dismissal. 'The government wanted someone of his calibre to guide us at that level. Deputy Commander Mophuting has not been fired as alleged, I can confirm that he was deployed to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as ambassador at large,' Mmusi stated.

In a press release, the BDF expressed gratitude to former Deputy Commander Mophuting and his family for his 35 years of dedicated service to the nation. Additionally, Masisi appointed Major General Joseph Eno Seelo to assume the role previously held by Mophuting as Deputy Commander of the BDF. Furthermore, the President promoted Brigadier Simon Motswana Barwabatsile to the rank of Major General and appointed him as the Commander of Ground Forces Command, as well as, Commander of Joint Forces Command.