According to a letter written by BOKA vice secretary-general, Francios Alberts, Tshepang was invited to a disciplinary hearing, but failed to respond and the disciplinary commission proceeded with the hearing as scheduled. “After through deliberation, the commission made the following recommendations: to suspend you from all BOKA sanctioned activities for a period of three years, effective from the date of this letter, (October 11, 2024). Removal from office: As a result of the above recommendation that you be removed from your position as secretary-general with immediate effect,” the letter reads. Alberts explained that the BOKA executive committee has reviewed the report submitted by the disciplinary commission and after careful consideration, ratified the recommendations in their entirety.
Tshepang was advised that he could appeal the decision by submitting a written appeal to the appeals commission within seven days from the date of receipt of suspension and removal from office letter. Tshepang was suspended in June 13, 2023 for violation of the code of conduct guidelines, disciplinary policy guidelines and the constitution Article 9.8.5, which specifies how disciplinary action should be handled in accordance with the code of conduct. Meanwhile, the decision comes few weeks after the International Ryushin-Kan Do Botswana chief instructor, Keorapetse Dube presented a motion before the Botswana Karate Association (BOKA) Annual General Meeting (AGM) calling for the board to reconcile with its secretary-general. “No formal written report was provided to the general membership that specifically details the events leading to the elected secretary-general’s suspension due to insubordination, additionally the BOKA constitution does not mention the alleged insubordination offence among elected members or office bearers,” the motion reads.
Dube argued through the motion that the suspension was improperly handled by BOKA president, Mpho Bakwadi, or his executive committee, and it has now reached the High Court, where they are arguing whether or not the suspension was legal. He said as BOKA affiliates, they are not sure as to who gave the board permission to oppose the matter at the High Court and who agreed to pay the legal fees.
