BDP in turmoil as its President faces corruption charges
The Botswana Democratic Party (BDP), still struggling to recover from its 2024 electoral defeat and gearing up for the 2029 polls, has been plunged into fresh turmoil after its president, Mpho Balopi, is charged with seven counts of corruption.
He has been summoned by the Directorate on Corruption and Economic Crime (DCEC) to appear in court.
Balopi, a former Member of Parliament and Cabinet Minister, has repeatedly declared his innocence, insisting that the allegations are politically motivated.
He now faces mounting pressure from within the party to vacate the presidency and focus on clearing his name.
News of the charges, which broke on Wednesday, has triggered heated debate within the party. Some members argue Balopi should step aside to protect the party’s image, while others insist he must be presumed innocent until proven guilty. Party insiders say discontent with Balopi’s leadership style has gained momentum, with factions pushing for Chairman Karabo Gare to temporarily lead until a Special Congress elects a new president.
The BDP Constitution does not provide for a vice president, leaving the National Council — scheduled for October in Gaborone — to decide the way forward.
BDP Secretary General Kentse Rammidi confirmed in a press statement that the party leadership is monitoring developments and will deliberate further. He said Balopi has already briefed the central committee about the matter.
Balopi is charged alongside Thomas Sidney Sharpe, Tshepiso Innocent Makgoeng, Duncan Mothusi Gaolebe, and companies Native Outdoor (Pty) Ltd, Native Impressions (Pty) Ltd, Stess Engineering (Pty) Ltd, and Keysource (Pty) Ltd.
The seven charges include fraud, attempted fraud, and money laundering linked to Citizen Entrepreneurial Development Agency (CEDA) loans: • Fraud (Count 1): Misrepresentation to CEDA in February 2023 for billboard installations, leading to a payment of P669,842.11 for a project never executed. • Attempted Fraud (Count 2): Attempt to obtain P1,399,810.56 in December 2023 using false invoices and receipts. • Fraud (Count 3): Deception resulting in CEDA paying P2,895,657.00 to Keysource for digital LED screens never supplied. • Money Laundering (Counts 4–7): Transfers and receipts of funds between Stess Engineering, Native Impressions, Keysource, and Native Outdoor, allegedly knowing the money was derived from fraud.
Balopi’s troubles come after his convincing victory at the Maun Elective Congress, where he consolidated power but faced growing resistance. His ambition has been to lead the BDP into the 2029 elections and challenge the ruling Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC).
Since investigations began in 2025, the BDP has maintained that the charges are politically motivated, arguing Balopi posed a serious threat to UDC leader Duma Boko.
Now, insiders say factions are rallying behind potential successors, including Samson Guma Moyo and Dr Thapelo Matsheka, while some members are even lobbying former President Mokgweetsi Masisi to return and “steady the ship.”
Moyo has clashed with Balopi over his readmission to the party, while Matsheka has remained guarded about his ambitions. Masisi’s strained relationship with Balopi has been evident at public events.
With corruption charges hanging over its president, the BDP faces a daunting task of rebuilding credibility and appealing to a youthful electorate ahead of 2029. Opposition parties are expected to weaponise the scandal during campaigns.
Balopi could not be reached for comment, as he was reportedly addressing a crucial meeting in the Kweneng region.