The ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) has suspended Assistant Minister of Health Biggie Butale for allegedly violating the party’s statutes, an official said Wednesday.
BDP spokesperson Banks Kentse confirmed that Butale has been suspended for a period of six months by the party.
Butale was recently dragged before the BDP disciplinary committee to face charges of allegedly telling voters in his constituency that he will contest this year’s general elections as an independent candidate.
The committee said the utterances by Butale undermined the internal process of the party.
Butale lost BDP primary elections to youth wing chairperson Simon Moabi and he has filed a case with the High Court challenging the outcome of the primary elections.
Butale confirmed his suspension, but said he would only decide his next move after consulting his family and voters in his constituency.
The BDP is reportedly trying to get rid of members who allegedly belong to a faction linked to former president Ian Khama ahead of the October general elections.
The faction reportedly sponsored a motion of no confidence against President Mokgweetsi Masisi but failed to bring desired results.
Butale has since denied being aligned to this faction.
KO/jn/APA