BDP in bloody regional congress
Chakalisa Dube | Tuesday March 14, 2017 18:00
Popular BDP activist, Otto Masogo was brutally beaten by supporters allegedly aligned to Member of Parliament (MP) for Francistown West, Ignatius Moswaane.
And he vowed under his breath: “I’ll never forgive those who attacked me because I suffered severe humiliation and pain.”
This is the second time that Moswaane’s supporters have been fingered in an assault incident. Last year, during the build-up to the Phillip Matante East by-election, Moswaane’s supporters allegedly assaulted Ford Moiteela after the latter attacked the outspoken legislator over campaign differences.
Another BDP member, Ketsile Matota claimed supporters belonging to Moswaane also assaulted him over the weekend when he had gone to check on his friend, Masogo.
Matota, who was not part of the congress, also declared that he has since reported the matter to the police.
Masogo, who was rushed to hospital, sustained injuries on his hand and neck. Congress proceedings were temporarily halted and the police called in to calm the situation.
Prior to the congress elections on Saturday, Masogo wrote a letter to the party’s Francistown region committee complaining about the congress delegates from Francistown West, particularly from Monarch North ward.
BDP members from other constituencies also echoed Masogo, by raising complaints against some delegates whom they felt illegally participated in the congress.
However, it still remains unclear why they were allowed to vote during the elections.
“This letter serves to alert the region that not one ward congress was constituted (at Monarch North) to lawfully elect delegates to participate in the regional elections. We therefore request that since no ward elections were held, Monarch North should not be represented at the congress,” Masogo complained.
Masogo is said to have clashed with supporters belonging to Moswaane’s camp over the letter. Some of Moswaane’s supporters claim that Masogo uttered some expletives towards the legislator, which is why he was attacked.
Yesterday, Masogo maintained that he did not insult anyone. He said, “I believe I was attacked by those who were not comfortable with my complaint letter.”
Masogo also said that he does not know why his complaint letter was not condoned.
“The party secretary general (Botsalo Ntuane) and some of the outgoing Francistown region committee members initially agreed that my complaint was genuine, but it appears that they later changed their position because delegates from Monarch ward were allowed to participate in the congress,” he said.
Masogo said that he is waiting for the police to inform him on the way forward regarding his case. “I will not forgive those who attacked me. I suffered severe humiliation and pain,” he said vehemently.
Raoboy Mpuang, who ended his term as the Francistown secretary general, yesterday referred all enquiries by Mmegi to Ntuane.
Ntuane responded in writing thus: “I am aware that during accreditation, there was a misunderstanding over delegates from one ward in Francistown West. I do not have all the details, but apparently that led to a scuffle which resulted in the police being called.”
He added that things settled down and the congress continued with its business. “The majority of the wards were properly constituted and where there were differences, the regional committee intervened and matters were resolved.”
Yesterday Francistown Central police station commander, Supt. Lebalang Maniki said when contacted for comment, “I am constrained to deny or confirm the two incidents.” Moswaane said that he was present at the congress, but was not aware of any fight involving his supporters and or any other BDP members.