The Botswana National Front (BNF) has conducted and concluded its investigation on an assault incident associated with political intolerance and gender-based violence at the Mahalapye Bus rank recently.
The Mahalapye West BNF constituency committee led by its Chairperson investigated the incident and even visited the bus rank where they met the informal sector authorities who explained that the incident had nothing to do with politics and the BNF, but selling and buying transactions between the vendors and the assaulted passenger.
The BNF Mahalapye leadership also visited the police station where the incident was reported to appreciate the matter and were told by the police
officers that the said incident had nothing to do with politics and the BNF.
One local private radio station also had a comprehensive interview with the Mahalapye Police station officers who explained what transpired and stated very clearly that the incident had nothing to do with political parties, further clearing the BNF.
The BNF read Ms Kagiso Daniel (the assaulted passenger) social media post where she personally explained the incident, and an analysis of her narrative is very clear as she does not associate her assault with the BNF.
We conclude that the incident had nothing to do with the BNF nor was it political motivated. It was therefore unprofessional and unethical for the
Botswana Congress Party (BCP) leadership to drag the BNF name into this
incident and try to devalue the BNF brand equity. Issues of gender-based violence are very sensitive and a great concern to the nation and should not be irresponsibly used as a bargaining tool in political spaces. We call upon the BCP to withdraw and apologise for their hostile and irresponsible statement against the innocent BNF so as to prove to the nation that the BCP genuinely embraces political maturity, accountability, professionalism and ethical standards.
In conclusion, the BNF is currently rolling out its Strategic Plan and one of its strategic goals is to grow its membership base by recruiting new members
and those from other political parties, and therefore the party cannot unleash
a reign of terror on potential members.
We condemn any form of gender-based violence and wish Ms Kagiso Daniel
a speedy recovery.
Justin Hunyepa
BNF Information & Publicity Secretary