13 Sep 2016

The Vice President, Mr Mokgweetsi Masisi, has condemned circulation of a picture in social media depicting President Lt Gen. Dr Seretse Khama Ian Khama “in provocative and disrespectful state”.
Addressing a Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) press conference in Gaborone on Monday (September 12), Mr Masisi said the incident had hurt the BDP family, adding that the nation should be saddened by the picture.
“We are wounded, our souls are hurting (and) our emotions are ravaged by the brutality of expressions as shown on social media,” the Vice President said.
Mr Masisi, also the BDP chairperson, said they suspected that the picture might have been created by people who hold ulterior motives against President Khama in his person or official capacity.
“You don’t need to be a rocket scientist to recall the most vociferous of those and our very strong suspicion is that it is those who are most likely to be responsible for it,” he added.
Mr Masisi stressed that they would follow up the matter with determination to find the perpetrators and have them face the consequences of their action.
Meanwhile, Mr Masisi officially welcomed former Botswana Congress Party (BCP) parliamentary candidate for Gaborone Bonnington North, Ms Anna Mokgethi to BDP and gave her the party membership card and manifesto.
“We are glad that we have her on our side now. We are totally delighted. We wish her prosperity and she is free to participate in the party. She brings with her a very rich CV,” he said
BDP secretary general, Mr Botsalo Ntuane said abuse of social media was unacceptable.
“We must draw the line somewhere someday. We think the time has now come to draw the line on the sand,” he said.
He called on everybody, irrespective of their political affiliation to condemn the behaviour and speak out against this misconduct.
Ms Mokgethi, who is one of the founders of BCP, expressed gratitude for BDP’s warm welcome.
She said she left BCP because its inner party democracy was none existent and its leadership encouraged factions.
BDP also welcomed three former BCP members from Boteti East, Tati East and Lerala/Maunatlala constituencies, as well as 11 former UDC members from Gaborone North constituency. ENDS