11th November 2021
Sello Motseta
Political tension continues to grow with relations between President Mokgweetsi Masisi and former President Lt. General Seretse Khama Ian Khama reaching an all-time low, over a search warrant issued against the latter to search his premises for weapons.
Botswana authorities have refused to be drawn into a detailed discussion of the whereabouts of the Former President Lt. General Seretse Khama Ian Khama, with media speculation growing that he has visited neighbouring South Africa without following appropriate protocol.
“Unfortunately I have travelled and have no knowledge of His Excellency the Former President ‘s travel arrangements,” said Emma Peloetletse, Permanent Secretary to the President (PSP) whose office handles all Khama’s travel arrangements.
Security agents have already raided the homes of former President Lt. General Ian Khama on 23-25 October 2021 in search of unlicensed weapons as President Mokgweetsi Masisi goes for the jugular after suffering embarrassing court losses in a long-running feud with his predecessor.
Botswana has also long accused South Africa of not assisting in a request for legal assistance with regards to allegations of money-laundering allegations against Former President Khama and South African president Cyril Ramaphosa’s sister in law Bridgette Motsepe.
Its prosecuting authority has engaged white minority lobby group Afriforum’s advocate Gerrie Nel to help them to build their case against the former President.
Masisi is also allegedly concerned about the growth of opposition Botswana Patriotic Front(BPF), whose patron is the former President Khama, the chief of Bangwato a catchment area covering almost half of Botswana’s electoral constituencies.
It has formed an unlikely alliance with a coalition of opposition parties forming the Umbrella for Democratic Change(UDC).
“It is public information that the Directorate of Intelligence(DIS)has successfully sought judicial endorsement to conduct some searches at some premises belonging to the former President. This is an ongoing process,” said Edward Robert, Spokesperson for the Directorate of Intelligence(DIS).
He said, “I am constrained to engage further on the issues you are raising on account that this is an ongoing investigation.”
