BNF Slaps Ex-Members With P55,000 Legal Cost Bill
Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | Monday September 23, 2019 12:09
The duo, Celsius Rambe and Fetumba Motsholopi were demanding a re-run of primary elections in some of the wards in the constituency. They took the party to court last week on urgency on the matter.
Rambe lost to Shawn Ntlhaile for parliamentary candidacy of the area while Motsholopi lost to Manoe at Khakhea ward. Rambe lost the case last Monday with costs while Motsholopi withdrew his matter.
Rambe wanted the court to order BNF to hold a re- run for two wards as ordered by the National Appeals Board. His contention was that the general elections are near but a re- run for Sekoma and Kokong-Morwamosu wards was still pending.
BNF attorney, Kago Mokotedi said the reason Rambe’s cost is high is because the matter went to arguments on points in limine as well as the main review application.
Motsholopi’s withdrawal consent order read, “the matter is withdrawn in terms of order 47 of the High Court rules. The applicant “Motsholopi” pays as legal costs directly to the respondents’ attorneys (BNF) on or before 31st January 2020. The said legal costs shall not be paid in instalment”.
Motsholopi’s contention was that his name did not appear on the voters roll during the primary election and demanded the court to overturn the decision of the national appeals board.
The BNF elections committee had ordered a re-run at Khakhea ward, but national appeals board overturned the elections committee decision.
Meanwhile, The Monitor is informed that Motsholopi has found a new political home at Alliance for Progressives (AP) and he would be contesting for a council seat under its ticket.
“It is true I have joined AP. I will be contesting under it. I had never thought the BNF would demand that I pay court costs. I will look for money and pay before January 31, 2020. We will intensify campaigns to ensure that Ntlhaile does not win,” Motsholopi said.
It is understood that Rambe will soon join the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP). He said he was still going to consult his supporters with the intention to announce his new political home soon.