The ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) has expelled a lawmaker and suspended another on charges of allegedly bringing the party into disrepute.
Party spokesperson Kagelelo Banks Kentse confirmed on Friday to Botswana Guardian that lawmaker Prince Maele has been suspended for one year while another Member of Parliament Samson Moyo Guma has been expelled from the BDP.
The two legislators appeared before a disciplinary committee recently.
Kentse refused to share reasons why the BDP leadership had to take that action against the two legislators.
But sources said the two are accused of allegedly bringing the party into disrepute by publicly supporting a faction that is aligned to former president Ian Khama.
They are part of a group of BDP supporters that attended a meeting allegedly organised by Khama and former minister Pelonomi Venson-Moitoi ahead of the just-ended BDP elective congress.
The party said the meeting was illegal as it was not sanctioned by any of its structures.
Venson-Moitoi, who was labelled Khama’s proxy, withdrew from challenging President Mokgweetsi Masisi for the party presidency, citing irregularities.
Several other BDP members who attended the meeting in question are still appearing before the party’s disciplinary committee.
KO/jn/APA