Morupisi’s barring irks BPF
Innocent Selatlhwa | Friday October 11, 2024 15:09
Carter Morupisi was barred from contesting by the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) for his 2022 conviction for corruption. Having worked hard campaigning in the constituency and also being part of those who crafted the BPF manifesto, it would seem Morupisi saw it coming as he was immediately replaced by his wife Pinny Morupisi as the candidate. For the BPF, this was an undemocratic move and they blame President Mokgweetsi Masisi and his administration for it. In 2022, Morupisi was convicted on two counts of corruption and one count of money laundering.
On count one he was sentenced to two years imprisonment wholly suspended for three years on condition that he didn't commit the same offence, whilst on count two, he was fined P50,000 or five years imprisonment should he default, whilst on count three, he was fined P80,000 or eight years imprisonment, should he default. He was further given 90 days to pay whilst the Toyota Land Cruiser, said to be proceeds of crime, was forfeited to the State. Speaking at the launch of the party’s manifesto in Serowe over the weekend, BPF president Mephato Reatile said Morupisi’s barring was an attack on democracy. “Just yesterday, there was the nomination for parliamentary and council candidates and they decided to bar Morupisi from contesting. There weren't any files anywhere when people submitted their names that could lead to them being barred.
“But for Morupisi, the presiding officer was given a laptop with all cases Morupisi has faced so that when he gets there, they can tell him he doesn't qualify,” he said. For his part, when making salutations, BPF patron Ian Khama comforted Morupisi. “O seka wa tshwenyega Rre Morupisi gore maabane ba supile gore baa go tshaba ba go kganna gore o ka registara. O ya gonna mopalamente. Ha re tsaya puso o ta nna Specially Elected,” he said. Loosely translated, he said Morupisi shouldn't worry as he would be made a Specially Elected legislator if the BPF won state power. Morupisi wouldn't be dragged into discussing the matter. “I don't want to speak about this, otherwise I would be giving them too much credit,” he said.