Dipate challenges Gaborone South results
Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | Thursday November 6, 2014 12:19
The only thing that currently appears to have stalled Dipate’s action is the police report that Dipate has since requested through his attorney Tshiamo Rantao from Old Naledi Station.
Dipate’s lawyer has already written to Old Naledi Police asking them to provide a copy of the investigations report including witnesses’ statements.
“On Friday, 24 October at the Therisanyo Primary School, our client and Mr Sebapadi Baakanyang reported to the police officers from Old Naledi Station a certain Mr Aubrey Molefhe who had been found by the latter in suspicious possession of voters cards which did not belong to his person but which, on the face of it, belonged to voters of the said polling station.
“According to our client and Mr Baakanyang, you arrested Mr Molefhe for questioning in relation to the same circumstances and, further, caused Mr Baakanyang to write a police statement which you are in possession of,” the letter states.
Rantao said their client Molefhe was an employee of Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) candidate Kagiso Molatlhegi in New Naledi.
“In terms of section 117 of the Electoral Act, our client would like to have a report on the circumstances referred to above soonest.
“Kindly, but urgently, furnish us with a report, including all statements and other material in your possession to date, on or before Wednesday, 5 November 2014 to enable our client to consider his legal options in terms of Electoral Act.”
However the statutory period for appeal may elapse before the police have provided the report. Meanwhile the police responded thus: “We further confirm that investigations into the matter are still on going.
In the circumstances we are not in a position to furnish your office with police report, statements and material that you requested for.”
Mosireletsi Phologo who wrote on behalf of the station commander further stated in their letter dated November 3, that they are investigating a case in which a certain man was found in possession of voters cards which did not belong to him.
Rantao said they would decide on their meeting on Friday whether they are continuing with the matter or not.