On July 24, Motlhabi of the Lobatse High Court ordered the annulment of the June 5 suspension of former BPF president, Biggie Butale. Justice Motlhabi deemed the orchestrators of Butale's suspension, including secretary-general Tshekedi Khama, Lazarus Lekgoanyana, Ford Moiteela, Prince Bosilong, party patron Ian Khama, Motswasele Kganetso, Dr Kolaatamo Malefho, party spokesperson Lawrence Ookeditse, and Amogelang Mokwena, as in contempt of the court order that Justice Matlhogonolo Phuthego delivered in April. The respondents were given seven days to submit mitigation affidavits following the court order. A sentence related to their contempt was scheduled for August 7 (yesterday). However, on the day, none of the respondents were present for their sentencing, leading Justice Motlhabi to contemplate issuing arrest warrants. The respondents' attorney, Joram Matomela, extended their apologies, citing a misunderstanding about their absence in court. Motlhabi briefly adjourned the proceedings and upon resumption, Matomela informed the court that his clients had been contacted and were en route. The sentencing, initially postponed to 5pm, began slightly before 4pm as respondents arrived, save for the three – Khama (believed to be in Italy), Tshekedi (in South Africa), and Mokwena (unwell).
Before the sentencing commenced, Matomela requested Justice Motlhabi to recuse himself, citing formal complaints of judicial misconduct and political interference communicated to the Chief Justice.
