Setlhomo unfazed by lawsuits

 

Activist Setlhomo Tshwanelang is unfazed by the many lawsuits that are beginning to pile on him as he continues to call out the Citizen Entrepreneurial Development Agency (CEDA) for its alleged corruption scandals.

Addressing the media outside the High Court in Gaborone, Tshwanelang said that he believes this is a ploy to deter him from blowing the whistle as former Minister of Sports Tumiso Rakgare is also suing him for half a million pula.

Tshwanelang explained that the defamation suit is because Rakgare believes that he is the cause of his loss of the 2024 general election. The former minister accuses Tshwanelang of publishing defamatory statements on Facebook in July 2024, which allegedly damaged his reputation and suggested misconduct in public office.

In the filed court documents, Rakgare’s lawyers contend that the statements falsely portrayed him as corrupt, accusing him of mismanaging government funds and amassing personal wealth through public office.

The posts which Tshwanelang uploaded, claim that Rakgare owns multiple properties, including apartments and a fuel station, acquired through alleged misuse of his ministerial position. The defendant also alleged that under Rakgare’s leadership, school sports collapsed, youth drug abuse increased, and arts development stalled.

Rakgare’s legal representatives from KhumoMotse Law Practice argue that these statements are baseless, malicious, and intended to harm Rakgare’s reputation.

Among the accusations, Tshwanelang reportedly referred to the minister as “Timang Rakgare Tlhopho Madomi,” implying that he is unfit for public office. The lawsuit highlights that the allegations have caused harm to Rakgare’s standing in government and the public domain.

Rakgare is seeking relief from the court, asserting that the defendant's actions are not only defamatory but also meant to discredit him politically. Moreover, Tshwanelang said that he is being persecuted for fighting against corruption that is being done by prominent people in Botswana such as Thabo Thamane, who is the CEO of CEDA.

Furthermore, Tshwanelang explained that the corruption by CEDA’s kingpin is evident in his use of the organisation to sue him.

It is Tshwanelang’s opinion that when a leader is being accused of corruption they are investigated by the company's board and they step back from their duties yet this was not the case with Thamane.

“By the end of this week I may have 20 lawsuits,” Tshwanelang said, adding that all the lawsuits are politically motivated. He said despite all the challenges he will continue to fight for the people of Botswana.

Tshwanelang noted that the programmes of CEDA are not for a select few like Sonny Serite who has allegedly been given multiple loans and is now a victim of injustice.

An emotional Tshwanelang said that he is being harassed and his phones have been tapped and he fears that his life is currently in danger.

Tshwanelang said that people have now weaponised state resources against him yet he does not mind losing his life for standing for the truth. He said it is evident that those that stand for the truth are opposed but it will not stop him from seeking accountability.

Tshwanelang’s lawyer, Bakotelo Mmipi said that there is nothing special about this case and it is borderline abuse of power and they will deal with the matter accordingly at court on Friday.