Boko gets temporary relief
Isaiah Morewagae | Friday March 28, 2014 15:40
The case in which disgruntled BNF members are challenging his party membership was yesterday postponed to April 25, by the High Court in Gaborone.
Boko, who is also the president of the opposition cooperation, the Umbrella for Democratic Change, is accused of falsifying BNF membership by Kgatleng District Council chairperson Tona Mooketsi, attorney Meshack Mthimkhulu, Geoffrey Serebolo, Lewatle Kgosiyareng, Jacob Dikuelo, Mokgweetsi Kgosipula, Gaopalelwe Mooki, Rakhinyisa Motswasele, David Motlhatlhedi, Pule Letebele, Kitso Toister and Moses Kajane.
After a heated debate from both parties, Gaborone High Court judge Terrence Rannowane afforded Boko some time to respond to the allegations made against him. Rannowane said in his ruling that allegations as made by the applicants have consequential bearing on the conduct and character of Boko.
“I have also considered the serious allegations made against Boko who is not only a political leader but also an officer of this court. It is important that he be allowed time to answer to the allegations made against him. Justice hurried is justice buried,” Rannowane said.
He said even though both parties agree that the matter is urgent and needs to be dealt with expeditiously, that does not mean that others should be disadvantaged.
Rannowane stressed that even though applicants’ attorneys Gabriel Kanjabanga and Mthimkhulu vehemently opposed postponement, it was in the best interest of justice that all the parties are given time to prepare their case. The case, which had attracted hordes of supporters from the BNF and opponents from other political parties started with a lot of clichés with applicants asking for a short adjournment immediately after it started. Mthimkhulu had told court that his papers were not in order thus he wanted to regularise them.
When the case resumed after about two hours, Mthimkhulu, now teaming up with Kanjabanga, wanted court to go ahead and hear the matter without Boko deposing to an affidavit. It also became apparent as the legal battle continued in the courtroom that the majority of the applicants had been suspended from the BNF.
It became apparent that Boko and the BNF’s legal team are going to use the applicants’ suspension to their advantage, as they will argue that they do not have a mandate to challenge the party.
The case has been moved to April 25, and both parties have been directed to exchange documents in the meantime and file them with court. Boko and the BNF’s legal team comprises of Dick Bayford and Boingotlo Toteng.