Former Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) parliamentary candidates Dr Mpho Pheko (Gaborone Central) and Dr Micus Chimbombi (Kgalagadi South) are among the first petitioners to have their personal property attached over outstanding legal costs.
Sunday Standard has been reliably informed that the deputy sheriff in charge of executing a writ of execution against 15 UDC parliamentary candidates in respect of legal costs from the Court of Appeal, has already swooped on the two former candidates.
Pheko’s Toyota Corolla and a Toyota Hilux allegedly registered under Chimbombi’s wife (with whom they are reportedly married in community of property) have already been attached as the sheriff looks to raise the P565, 000 bill owed to Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) lawyers Bogopa, Manewe, Tobedza & Co.
The sheriff has already been to UDC President Duma Boko’s residence where he found no moveable property belonging to the coalition leader.
The sheriff has also visited former Molepolole North MP Mohammed Khan where he also hit a snag. Former Gaborone North candidate Nelson Ramaotwana is said to have pleaded with the deputy sheriff to divide the costs amongst the 15 candidates but the latter is said to be interested only in raising the required amount regardless of who gets to pay more since the law permits.
A storm is said to be brewing within the UDC as petitioners are said to be growing increasingly frustrated at what they call false promises by the UDC leader who they say had promised to source funds for the legal bill emanating from the 2019 elections petitions.
The UDC Leadership have however rubbished the allegations made by the petitioners in relation to promises made about footing the legal bill. The party said the petitioners entered into the legal battle of their own volition well aware of the possible consequences.
“Note that the launching of cases at the High Court started off as an initiative of petitioners. As UDC, we fully understand, appreciate and applaud the decision they took. They sacrificed for this country. We as a nation should support them as they battle legal costs. However, the UDC as an entity has never promised to pay anyone’s legal bill. There is no party resolution to that effect. What we resolved is that we will urge our members and the nation at large to assist,” UDC Spokesperson Moeti Mohwasa told Sunday Standard recently.
The petitioners have failed to honor an agreement to pay the CoA bill in relation to the BDP lawyers’ bill and the Court ordered for their property to be attached.
“You are hereby directed to attach and take into execution the movable goods of Duma Gideon, Victor Phologolo, Ramaotwana Nelson Ramaotwana, Mpho Mmannana Pheko, …Ketlhalefile Motshegwa, Moagi Molebatsi, Haskins Nkaigwa, Micus Chimbombi, Sam Digwa, …Mohammed Khan, …, and of the same to cause to be realized by public auction the sum of P565, 000.00 (Five Hundred and Sixty Five Thousand)…,” the CoA has ordered recently.
