The Kedikilwe-Kwelagobe faction in the ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) is reportedly planning to hire a top South African lawyer, Wim Trengove (pictured) to handle their imminent court case against President Ian Khama.The 60-year-old lawyer has an impeccable record of handling high profile cases. He represented respected former South African president, Nelson Mandela in his divorce case against Winnie-Madikizela Mandela. Another prominent client is current South African President, Jacob Zuma.
A highly placed member of the BDP said that local lawyers are busy communicating with Trengove in a bid to prepare affidavits. Khama has alarmed the Kedikilwe-Kwelagobe faction or Barata-phathi by suspending BDP secretary general Gomolemo Motswaledi and by-passing the Central Committee in crucial decisions and appointments. Khama is said to be annoyed with Motswaledi for undermining his authority, especially after he castigated Collins Newman law firm for defending the President against allegations that he is running the party like a one-man show.
The source said that to suspend Motswaledi, there had to be special circumstances. “But in this case, there are no special circumstances. The secretary general was just doing his job when he castigated the legal company. This matter is not so much about Motswaledi and the BDP. It is also about the nation at large. It is about principle. Democracy has to be seen to be in practice,” said the source.
Yesterday, BDP chairman, Daniel Kwelagobe was reluctant to discuss the matter because the atmosphere is very tense. “Let me take a break and rest and think about it then I will come forth and talk to you,” he said.
Vice-President Mompati Merafhe said he was not aware that some party members are planning to go to court. However, he said he is concerned about the infighting in the BDP. “Like any Motswana I am concerned. It is not good for the party,” he said.
BDP Women’s Wing chairperson, Angelinah Sengalo said that there should be respect for the Central Committee members who won the elections at the Kanye congress.
Conversely, she asserted that there should be respect for what Khama did in appointing additional members and sub-committee members of the party because he was acting within his powers.
“There shouldn’t be tussling, but instead we should concentrate on preparing for the elections which are coming in just two months,” she said. Efforts to reach BDP legal advisor Parks Tafa were futile as his mobile phone was off.
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