Athletics official suspended for 'indiscipline'
Calistus Kolantsho | Friday March 10, 2023 14:56
Lion’s Den chairperson, Tumelo Lotlaamoreng, through the letter, accused Oitebetse of 'indiscipline and maladministration'. “Therefore a conclusion has been reached that an investigation be carried out to establish the true vision of what could have transpired.
This follows an allegation that between December 2022 and February 2023, you in the capacity of club secretary, sent out communication to BAA (Botswana Athletics Association) soliciting clarity on certain issues without the knowledge of the executive committee,” reads the letter which was copied to the BAA. Oitebetse is accused of being involved in unconstitutional campaigns regarding BAA elections.
The BAA holds an elective meeting next week. Oitebetse resigned from the committee on Sunday after receiving the suspension letter. “I am resigning from the club with immediate effect.
However, I will be interested in the outcome of the investigation that is being carried out as stated in your letter,” Oitebetse said in her resignation letter. According to information reaching Mmegi Sport, Oitebetse was suspended after the club learnt that she was rallying behind Moses Bantsi for the BAA presidency, while the club is backing the incumbent leadership led by Paphane Botlhale. “Someone recorded Oitebetse during a telephone call and handed the recording to Lion’s Den executive committee.
That call was a trap and she fell for it,” a source said. Contacted for comment, Lotlaamoreng referred this publication to Assistant Police Commissioner, Dipheko Motube who said he was not aware of Lion’s Den, which is a Botswana Police Service sports entity. “It is now a challenge if my boss does not know his club,” Lotlaamoreng said when informed about Motube’s response.
Lion’s Den spokesperson, Tshoganyetso Moseki confirmed the suspension but said it had nothing to do with BAA elections, insisting the issue had to do with maladministration. “Those allegations (about elections) are news to us as we have not received anything regarding that. Our focus is a club is to support the current BAA leadership and be notified after elections about whoever is going to win,” Moseki said.