I was stabbed in the back � Ngoma

Chakalisa Dube | Thursday May 4, 2017 16:23

Ahead of the election, Ngoma could only garner six votes at the BDP caucus on Monday, against his rival, Sylvia Muzila’s 12, meaning the BDP nominated him as their candidate in the actual election.

Until Monday, Ngoma had been perceived to be the front-runner in the race to unseat Muzila, who after the caucus, subsequently romped home to a second term in office.

Ahead of the election, even the mood on the ground seemed to suggest that the ruling party councillors were rooting for a change of leadership at the council chambers. A hypothetical analysis showed that some councillors did not favour Muzila’s leadership style.  

Yesterday, Ngoma, who has served as Francistown mayor before, said the events leading to the Monday mayoral elections showed that he did not stand any chance of winning. “Four of the councillors who backed me decamped to Muzila’s team towards the elections.  There was no way I was going to win.

What hurt me most is that some of these councillors are the ones who approached me to stand,” a disappointed Ngoma declared yesterday.

“I have accepted defeat and what transpired at the caucus is part of politics.”

Although he (Ngoma) was reluctant to reveal the names of the four who he alleges betrayed him, Mmegi has learnt that James Kgalajwe and Jenamiso Mojaki are among the Judases mentioned.

Two other councillors who reportedly betrayed Ngoma are known to this publication, but cannot be named as they could not be reached to exercise their right of reply. 

Kgalajwe and Ngoma fell out in March this year after Ngoma chose to align himself with BDP chairmanship candidate, Nonofo Molefhi instead of Mokgweetsi Masisi who is favoured by Kgalajwe.

Kgalajwe is also said to have lobbied Ngoma to contest the mayoral elections a few months ago.

Yesterday, Kgalajwe refused to dwell on the allegations that he betrayed Ngoma. “All I can say is that I have the liberty to vote whoever I want at the BDP caucus. However, what is worth noting is that Ngoma is my personal friend,” he said.

Kgalajwe denied that he encouraged Ngoma to contest the mayoral election some months ago.

For his part, Mojaki refused to comment when reached by Mmegi.