BDP pounces on Barata-Phathi

RYDER GABATHUSE
Staff Writer | Tuesday March 30, 2010 00:00

 

 It is understood that yesterday's meeting was categorical that the members must face the wrath of the party after peace efforts by former president, Sir Ketumile Masire reportedly collapsed.

This could mean that many more suspensions from the party pending disciplinary procedures are looming.

This means the trio of Specially Elected MP Botsalo Ntuane, BDP activists Sidney Pilane and Kabo Morwaeng will have to appear before the disciplinary committee as recommended by the party recently.

The three were recently suspended from the party for 60 days pending a disciplinary hearing. They are accused of conniving with the opposition to work against the BDP.

They landed in trouble after they were incriminated in a report by a secret probe committee appointed by President Ian Khama.Their case is likely to be compounded by their presence at a meeting that announced that Barata-Phathi is forming a new party.

It is understood that MPs Guma Moyo, Edward Raletobana, Tawana Moremi, Wynter Mmolotsi, Gilbert Mangole, Francistown mayor Shadrack Nyeku, ex-councillor Sam Masunga, Dr William Tshupeng, Binkie Kerileng, Sonny Moatlhodi, Freddy Ramodise and others are expected to start receiving letters today notifying them about the disciplinary charges preferred against them.

Their main offence is that they recently attended the Barata-Phathi meeting in Mogoditshane against the wishes of the party leadership.

By yesterday evening, the BDP secretariat was reportedly busy typing disciplinary letters to the concerned parties. BDP executive secretary, Dr Comma Serema could not deny or confirm the disciplinary measures imposed by the party leadership.

'I cannot confirm nor deny the disciplinary measures because the party is yet to communicate decisions of the central committee meeting.

The set procedure is that we issue a press statement after communicating to the concerned parties,' Serema said.  Efforts to reach Barata-phathi spokesperson, Pilane hit a snag as his mobile phone was continuously off.