A financial scam nearly hit the ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) after it emerged this week that businesses were nearly duped into dumping cash donations into false BDP accounts.
In an unexpected move when the nation is going through a difficult time due to the COVID-19 anxiety, some of members of the ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) masquerading as the BDP National Youth Executive Committee (NYEC) use the situation to swindle public donations.
The young democrats have been up to soliciting fraudulent donations in the name of raising funds for the COVID-19 relief fund by circulating a flyer on social media asking for donations.
But, it emerged that their plans did not get any authorization from Tsholetsa House after some people cautioned or searched answers BDP officials over the campaign for funds by BDP NYEC.
BDP NYEC circulated First National Bank of Botswana (FNBB) account number 62752315004 for cash donations accompanied by Orange money, Ewallet and Absa cash mobile accounts as well.
Sources within the BDP say the party is in quandary on how to deal with the suspects in the case as it is not clear on whose orders they take on a move that nearly tarnished BDP image.
BDP over Secretary General Mpho Balopi and BDP NYEC Chairman Karabo Gomotsegang have since retracted the demand for said donations with culprits likely to face disciplinary charges.
In the wake up news that Youth Wing is a step ahead in unauthorized mobilization of funds for COVID-19, the BDP Secretary General Mpho Balopi sent a stern warning to the culprits involved.
In an interview with Balopi on Friday, he said the party will be launching an investigation on the matter so as to unearth on what could have pushed the youth implicated to taking that route.
“We are party with order and good governance is what defines us at BDP. It is really disturbing how our NYEC behaved but will launch an investigations to see whether this was deliberate or a misconstrued move. But, will be guided by investigations outcome on taking action,” he added.
He went on to buttress that the NYEC have since withdrawn their unauthorized intention and apologizing to the party hence cautioning anyone to stop dragging the party name in disarray.
Balopi elaborated that the business community should not be deceived by any prospective fraudsters to raise funds noting that government COVID-19 relief fund is only valid one so far.
BDP NYEC Karabo Gomotsegang in an apology letter on behalf of the NYEC said the public is urged to ignore the flier and not issue any donation to account and cellphone numbers on it.
“The Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) National Youth Executive Committee wishes to tender apology to the public on a recent flier making rounds on social media to the effect that we seek donations towards COVID-19,” Gomotsegang said on statement retracting donations demand.
The acts of young democrats sparked wide public outrage with some labelling them as hungry vultures who want to eat while some pardoned for not knowing processes as they are still new.