BDP mum on councillor convicted of indecent assault
Chakalisa Dube | Monday July 10, 2023 06:00
Modise is a nominated councillor in Gaborone. He was found guilty and convicted of indecent assault by Extension II Magistrate, Tshoganetso Atamelang approximately two weeks ago.
He was given a two-year suspended jail sentence. His conviction is a clear breach of the BDP constitution which states that members must adhere to party policies and behave in ‘consonance therewith and with dignity proprietary to propagate the good image of the party’ and not to embarrass the party by any misconduct.
The incident involving a minor took place at Old Naledi early last year. According to evidence produced in court, Modise unlawfully touched the victim’s body and in particular, her breasts and crotch area (private parts).
The victim, who is a student, later told her teacher about the incident. The teacher then reported the matter to the police and subsequently told the complainant’s parents. This week, BDP secretary-general Kavis Kario told Mmegi that the party is aware of the conviction but has not taken a definite position owing to some factors.
“We note that he is our member. He was convicted and given a suspended sentence. I want to emphasise that the party has standards as well as processes that members should maintain and follow to remain members in good standing. The party will take action or position in relation to Modise’s case based on what those processes dictate,” Kario said this week.
He added that penalties against those who are found to have acted in breach of party policies or regulations include amongst others, being disqualified from contesting for party positions and national elections. Kario stated that his expectation is that Modise’s case will be discussed at the party’s next central committee meeting which will be soon.
“This is a new case that happened two weeks ago. The party leadership is yet to receive a report on the case. The party position in relation to the matter will be shared after the meeting,” he said.
There have been questions about the consistency of the BDP when it comes to dealing with their members who are accused of gender-based violence (GBV) or sexually violating women and children.
For example, some BDP members who were deemed to have violated women or children in various ways have received wide condemnation and suspension from the party. More than two years ago, Nata-Gweta Member of Parliament (MP) Polson Majaga was slapped with an indefinite suspension after he was accused of defilement.
Majaga was only reinstated by the party after he successfully cleared his name. On the other hand, others like Modise have never been suspended from the party despite credible allegations or cases against them. This has solidified the perception that the BDP at times does little to act or condemn its members credibly accused of perpetrating GBV or sexually violating against children or women. “It is not that we have not been vocal or proactive. It could be circumstances surrounding the case. However, there is always room for improvement in terms of how the party deals with matters affecting the rights of women and children as well ancillary matters,” added Kario.