Police complete investigations against Moswaane�s supporters
Chakalisa Dube | Friday June 23, 2017 15:36
Moswaane’s supporters Boago Mosarwane, Otsile Moses and Chidzani Mokgwebe allegedly assaulted Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) activist, Otto Masogo early this year at the party’s Francistown region congress. They allegedly assaulted Masogo following differences surrounding the congress activities.
Francistown Central Police station commander, Lebalang Maniki confirmed to Mmegi that they have completed the investigations.
“We recently completed the investigations and we have referred the investigation docket to the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for assessment. After assessment of our (police) findings the DPP will decide whether to prosecute those implicated in the assault case or not,” Maniki said.
Observers have said severe factionalism between Vice President Mokgweetsi Masisi and Nonofo Molefhi supporters also fueled the fight between Masogo and Moswaane’s supporters. The two men are contesting the chairmanship of the BDP.
Masogo is pro Masisi while Moswaane is backing Molefhi. For sometime there has been tension between supporters belonging to Molefhi and Masisi.
Immediately after the assault Masogo reported the matter to the police and at the party headquarters.
Moswaane’s supporters were initially slapped with a 60-day suspension from the party pending a disciplinary hearing. However last month the party made the suspension indefinite. The party also temporarily halted a hearing against the trio to allow them to conclude their case with the police.
Masogo has vowed that he will not forgive his assaillants insisting that he wants justice to take its course. “They humiliated me and have never offered an apology,” he said recently.
Although he maintains the contrary some of Moswaane’s supporters who are not implicated in the case claim that Masogo uttered some obscene words towards the legislator, which is why he might have been physically attacked.
This is the second time that Moswaane’s supporters have been implicated in an assault incident during a party activity.
Last year during the build up to the Phillip Matante East by-election, Moswaane’s supporters allegedly assaulted Ford Moiteela after the latter allegedly attacked the outspoken legislator over campaign differences.
Moswaane reported the matter to the police and Moiteela was subsequently charged in court. After several court appearances, Moswaane withdrew the matter following the intervention of Masisi. Just like Masogo, Moswaane initially vowed that he would not forgive Moiteela.