The much-anticipated disciplinary hearing for Botswana Karate Association (BOKA) secretary-general, Dick Othusitse Tshepang, has been postponed. The hearing was set for July 25.
According to information reaching this publication, a new date will be confirmed next week. The hearing invitation letter penned by BOKA disciplinary hearing chairperson, Philip Setiko, states that the hearing is meant to address concerns related to Tshepang’s conduct and potential violations of the rules and regulations set forth by the association. “Statement of the offence is that on or about May 15, 2023, it is alleged that you appointed yourself as manager to Botswana National Olympic Committee (BNOC) Beach Games without authority for which you were given a verbal warning,” Setiko said through a letter.
“On June 9, 2023 during the AUSC Region 5 Karate Championships in Harare, Zimbabwe, it is alleged that you willingly and blatantly disobeyed a direct and reasonable instruction to hand over funds to pay for athletes accommodation as instructed by BOKA president.” Speaking to Sport Monitor, Tshepang said he learnt about the postponement through an unofficial text when he was already at the venue for the hearing. “I have not yet received official communication on the postponement. The 21 days BOKA leadership had committed long elapsed as of July 4, 2023. I did not resume my office duties because I did not want to sound desperate for a voluntary office. I also did not want to sound like the biggest loser. I want to make sure that justice prevail,” he said. Tshepang was slapped with suspension for 21 days in June after the Region 5 Karate Championships trip.
