30 Aug 2022

 Magistrate Mareledi Dipate says a substantive magistrate to preside over a case involving the former president, Lt Gen. Seretse Khama Ian Khama and others has not been identified.   

The case was left without a presiding magistrate following the elevation of Mr Masilo Mathaka to the position of a high court judge.

Magistrate Dipate of Village Magistrate Court in Gaborone yesterday adjourned the case to November 3 for status hearing after both the prosecution and defence teams indicated that there were no urgent issues to be addressed by the court.

The former president, former Directorate of Intelligence and Security (DIS) director, Isaac Kgosi, suspended Botswana Police Service commissioner, Mr Keabetswe Makgophe, suspended deputy permanent secretary in the Ministry of Youth, Gender Sport and Culture, Bruno Paledi and former DIS official, Sehunelo Khunou and are facing various criminal charges.

The five accused persons are facing charges ranging from illegal acquisition of firearms, unlawful possession of firearms to stealing of firearms.

The first accused person, Kgosi faces over 30 charges, among others, unlawful possession of firearms, unlawful possession of a passport belonging to another person, unlawful possession of ammunition, ownership of a firearm not registered and stealing by a person employed in the public service.

Lt Gen. Khama, who is the second accused person, faces 14 charges that include receiving stolen property, unlawful possession of firearms, procuring and registering a firearm by false pretences, ownership of unregistered firearm and aiding and abetting unlawful possession of firearm.

Makgophe faces three charges of aiding and abetting unlawful possession of firearms.

Paledi is charged for aiding and abetting unlawful possession of firearms and Sehonou faces a charge of stealing by a person employed in the public service. ENDS