21 Apr 2022

The second accused person in a multiple criminal charge case relating to possession of arms and ammunition, Former President Lt Gen Dr Seretse Khama Ian Khama was conspicuously absent as the case started yesterday before Gaborone Regional Magistrate Court yesterday.

Lt. Gen Khama is charged alongside former Director of the Directorate of Intelligence and Security (DIS), Mr Isaac Kgosi, police commissioner Mr Keabetswe Makgophe and deputy permanent secretary, Mr Bruno Paledi

Appearing before magistrate Mr Masilo Mothaka, attorney Mr Sifelani Thapelo for the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) explained that Lt Gen Khama had not been served as he was outside the country.

Further, he said other accused persons had just been served with an amended charge sheet and needed time to familiarise themselves. 

Furthermore, Mr Thapelo told the court that all parties to the case had agreed that arraignment of the accused and reading of the charge sheet be postponed to a later date as “the defence needs time to study the charge sheet and take instructions.”

Mr Tebogo Tladi, Lt Gen Khama’s lawyer said his client had not been served with summons, hence his absence.

In the matter, the first accused, Mr Kgosi, who is the former director of DIS faces 32 charges which include unlawful possession of firearm, unlawful possession of a passport belonging to another, unlawful possession of ammunition, ownership of a firearm not registered, procuring the registration of a firearm by false pretences, and stealing by a person employed in the public service.

Former president, Dr Khama who is the second accused faces 13 charges, which include receiving stolen property, unlawful possession of firearms, procuring and registering a firearm by false pretences, ownership of an unregistered firearm and aiding and abetting unlawful possession of firearm.

Police Commissioner Makgophe had three charges of aiding and abetting unlawful possession of firearms while Mr Paledi who is the former police deputy commissioner, a former director of the Directorate on Corruption and Economic Crime (DCEC) and currently a deputy permanent secretary faces two charges of aiding and abetting unlawful possession of firearms.

Attorneys Mrsers Thabiso Tafila, Mr Tladi, and Mr Kgosietsile Ngakaagae represented Mr Kgosi, Lt Gen Dr Khama and Mr Makgophe respectively. 

Mr Paledi appeared in person but informed the court that he would be engaging an attorney, as he had only received the charge the previous day. 

The case has been postponed to June 6th for arraignment and reading of the charge sheet to the accused. ends