Kgalajwe threatens to sue as BDP battles heat up
Chakalisa Dube | Thursday June 22, 2017 18:06
Kgalajwe is on record as saying he is in Masisi’s corner as the campaign for the ruling party’s chairmpersonship heats up ahead of the Tonota elective congress next month.
Some democrats have however written to the Francistown East branch accusing Kgalajwe of jumping the gun and launching a campaign for the Francistown East parliamentary seat against the incumbent, Billy Buti. The BDP has not yet sanctioned campaigns for primaries.
“Upon confrontation, he boldly told us that we cannot stop him as he has been sanctioned by His Honour the Vice President and party chairperson, Mokgweetsi Masisi to start campaigning for the parliamentary seat within the constituency as the leadership does not wish to have the incumbent area legislator as their candidate (for the 2019 general elections),” reads the complaint letter.
“We advised him (Kgalajwe) that his attitude and behaviour is unlawful, but he boastfully informed us that he is untouchable as he is closer to the leadership and can do anything as no action will be taken against him.”
The letter alleges that Kgalajwe said he is receiving funding from the party’s top brass to ensure that he “gets rid of everyone” who is not affiliated to Masisi in the constituency.
In addition, the letter alleged that the former Francistown mayor had established an office at Satellite North ward in a bid to aid his campaign for the primaries.
Francistown East branch secretary, Martha Motlhatlhedi refused to comment when contacted by Mmegi, while the Francistown region chairperson, Baemedi Medupi confirmed receipt of the complaint against Kgalajwe.
“We will deal with the matter soon,” he said. Yesterday Kgalajwe threatened to sue those behind the letter. “What has been written about me in the letter is very defamatory. I have approached my lawyers for legal opinion and they are yet to give me their response. My intention is to sue those who were involved in the penning of the letter.”
He added: “All I know is that I am campaigning for Masisi as chairman. I challenge those who say that I am campaigning for the position of MP to bring proof.”
In August last year, the then Francistown region secretary, Raoboy Mpuang grabbed the headlines when a leaked tape emerged of him allegedly bragging about how his association with Masisi had saved him from a disciplinary hearing.
Masisi remained relatively quiet on Mpuang’s matter, a development that was criticised by many democrats. At the time, the concerned democrats said Masisi’s silence was a sign that he endorsed Mpuang’s remarks.
Mpuang was later charged for de-campaigning the party at the Phillip Matante East by-election, but was subsequently cleared of wrongdoing under unclear circumstances.