Court interdicts Mogapi's dismissal
Goitsemodimo Kaelo | Tuesday September 23, 2025 13:53
Mogapi was dismissed from his post in August following a decision of the Disciplinary hearing set up by the union's acting executive director, Uyapo Nkeebeto. Lobatse High Court judge, Ookeditse Maphakwane on Friday interdicted Mogapi's dismissal from employment and interfering with the enjoyment of his employment benefits pending the institution and finalisation of proceedings for the setting aside of a ruling of the Disciplinary Tribunal that ordered his dismissal. The judge also ruled that in the event that anyone disregards or disobeys the court orders, a deputy sheriff duly assisted by members of the Botswana Police is hereby authorised to assist the applicant by taking any necessary measures to preserve his rights and enforce this order. It was Mogapi's second win in two weeks against his employers after securing yet another victory at the Court of Appeal a fortnight ago in a never-ending feud against his employers.
In his ruling, Maphakwane also ordered that no person, especially Nkebeto should refrain from purporting to implement the ruling of the Disciplinary Tribunal dated August 11, 2025. The legal battle between Mogapi and the union has been ongoing since February this year over a faceless employees’ letter that made serious allegations such as ill-treatment of employees, corruption, bribery, nepotism, and sexual harassment. Mogapi was one of three senior executives suspended by the union in February 2025. He challenged his suspension and won after the court ruled that the suspension was procedurally incorrect, as the BOSETU National Executive Committee (NATEX) didn't follow the union's disciplinary code. Mogapi has also been allegedly assaulted by two unknown men, who demanded he hand over the company car keys after his dismissal.
The issue is said to be part of an ongoing power struggle within the union, which started last year after the party's elective congress in Palapye. BOSETU's leadership has been at odds, with tensions escalating between different factions, one led by president Winston Radikolo and the other by vice president Charles Tsiane.