BREACH

Parliament has launched an investigation into allegations that Gaborone Central Constituency Senior Administration Officer/Researcher, Topo Kwena has breached public service rules through his continued involvement in party politics.The investigation follows a complaint lodged by Gaborone Central resident, Jason Mooketsi Ranthatsa, who questioned how Kwena could continue serving in a constituency office while also holding a senior political position in the Alliance for Progressives (AP) party.In a letter dated October 2, 2026, signed by Bethuel Moreme for the Clerk of the National Assembly, Parliament confirmed that it was looking into the allegations.“The contents of the letter have been duly noted and appreciated. The office is currently investigating the alleged matter,” the letter reads.The investigation scrutinises Kwena’s position as AP Youth League president and his employment in the constituency office of Gaborone Central Member of Parliament, Dr Phenyo Butale.Kwena has previously confirmed that he remains AP Youth League president and has not denied his continued involvement in the party.“I am still AP Youth League president,” he said. His defence has largely centred on the circumstances surrounding his appointment.Kwena said he was “handpicked” by Butale and questioned how he could be expected to remain politically neutral when his employment itself is linked to a politician. “How do I become politically neutral? When I was handpicked?” he asked.“I was handpicked by the MP. I am loyal to the person who hired me.” Kwena further argued that his position is tied to Butale remaining the constituency MP.“If he decides to leave the constituency, should he die, decide otherwise, my job ends,” he said.Ranthatsa, however, believes the explanation does not settle the question of whether Kwena is subject to public service rules governing political activity.His complaint cites Section 5(5) of the Public Service Act, which restricts political activity by public officers. He also cites Section 37(c), which deals with activities outside an employee’s official dutiesthat are likely to involve the employee in political controversy or lead to improper advantage being taken of the employee’s position.Ranthatsa’s complaint contains a number of incidents which he says demonstrate Kwena’s continued political involvement.These include an alleged AP Youth League campaign in May 2025, an AP leadership retreat in Palapye in July 2026 and Kwena’s reported participation in other party activities.Another issue raised is Kwena’s involvement in a Constitutional Court debate held at Gaborone Senior Secondary School on July 7, 2026. The event was organised by Butale’s office, with Kwena acting as moderator.Ranthatsa alleges that before the question-and-answer session, Kwena told him that he would not be allowed to speak because of his views against the UDC and the establishment of a Constitutional Court.“To me, that was being intolerant of divergent views from his side, and executing his roles based on political affiliations,” Ranthatsa said.Kwena, meanwhile, says he has no problem with the investigation. “I welcome the investigation with grace, and it is within the complainant’s discretion to help facilitate that. I will comply fully,” he said.

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