Saturday, February 8, 2025

Security officers, Police deny Moatlhodi a ‘Christmas present’

Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly Pono Moatlhodi survived by the skin of his teeth as opposition members of parliament (MPs) stormed his office following heated exchanges over the motion of no confidence against President Mokgweetsi Masisi’s government.

Opposition MPs including Leader of Opposition Dumelang Saleshando, Goretetse Kekgonegile, David Tshere, and Mephato Reatile approached the Speaker’s office following Moatlhodi’s decision to mute their microphones during the virtual debate. The Deputy Speaker immediately screamed for assistance from the sergeants at arms who acted swiftly with the assistance of the resident police officers to restrain the MPs. The Parliamentary Annex which hosts MPs offices is located across the street on the eastern side of the National Assembly building from where the Speaker conducts his business virtually. 

Saleshando would later tell Sunday Standard they merely wanted to hand over a “Christmas present” to the Deputy Speaker.

Maun East MP Kekgonegole had used his opportunity to accuse some cabinet members of holding public office when they have been found guilty of wrong doing, calling them criminals.

“The ruling party cabinet is harboring criminals,” he said.

The Deputy Speaker objected to the comments and asked Kekgonegile to withdraw the statement which request was turned down by the legislator saying he had evidence that some ministers were found in the wrong by the courts of law.

Kekgonegile told Moatlhodi to rather ask for evidence to be produced instead of trying to force him to withdraw the statement. He asked to be afforded the opportunity to produce evidence in support of his utterances. He refused to withdraw the statement maintaining that the Deputy Speaker was being unfair.

Moatlhodi then took the decision to cut off the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) legislator from the debate by muting his microphone.

Other members of opposition challenged the decision but Moatlhodi would not be moved, refusing to acknowledge their interventions. Leader of Opposition Saleshando was also cut off from participating. Several members of opposition were muted, and couldn’t air their views.

Some believed Moatlhodi’s decision was a well-orchestrated move to reduce opposition numbers at voting time. Some of the members who stormed the Speaker’s office were captured live on camera in heated exchanges with the Deputy Speaker. Police were later involved in the matter, recording witness statements on what transpired. It is not clear if any legal action will be taken against the MPs.

“The Deputy Speaker as a member of parliament for the ruling party cannot preside over a Motion of No Confidence,” wrote Francistown West MP Ignatius Moswaane on his social media platforms following the exchanges. “He is conflicted and under pressure from his superiors which is why it may be better to engage his senior, the Speaker. “Our democracy is fragile, our economy is fragile, Parliament is weak, Executive also. Our country is heading for a disaster,”Moswaane said. Saleshando tabled a motion of no confidence against the government last month. He moved that “the National Assembly of Botswana in accordance with Section 92 of the Constitution of Botswana declares that it has no confidence in the Government of Botswana.”

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