BDF FACES P3 MILLION LAWSUIT
I feel neglected - retired soldier
AN ex-soldier has threatened to haul Botswana Defence Force (BDF) before the courts if they do not meet his compensation demands.
Kabelo Tladi (53) of Manakedi ward in Morwa has put forward his demands and wants his former employer to fulfill them, failure of which he will institute a P3 million lawsuit. In an exclusive interview with this publication, Tladi said that after surviving an accident that claimed the lives of the rest of the occupants of the two vehicles involved, he was deployed to do light duties. This development, he said, stalled his progress as he remained a Corporal until he was forced into retirement.
“I was promised workmanship compensation and disability pension but nothing has been paid a year after I left.”
He added that they promised to take care of his medical bills and even transport him to the hospital for check up, but they have since failed to do that. “To make matters worse, they are denying me access to meet the BDF Commander. I simply want them to fulfill their promises because I feel I have been neglected after serving the BDF for 24 years,” said the worried former soldier.
He also lamented that had he not been involved in the fatal accident, he could have progressed through the ranks. Tladi said that the accident happened while he was on assignment on undercover operations.
“We were on an intelligence mission to intercept some people but unfortunately we never made it. I was lucky to survive, but the BDF is now neglecting me. It is like I was never one of them. They are pushing me to file for the P3 million lawsuit,” he added.
Meanwhile, the BDF confirmed having the matter in their books. “The mentioned person has filed an appeal with the Defence Force Council for compensation and the matter is still pending determination by the Defence Council and it is therefore inappropriate for the BDF to make any pronouncements regarding that,” said Lieutenant Colonel, Fana Maswabi.