04 Nov 2022

 The case in which former president, Lt. Gen. Seretse Khama Ian Khama and four others are facing charges relating to illegal possession of firearms and ammunition will go for preliminary arguments early next year.

 According to the order agreed by the state and the defence team, preliminary arguments will be heard on February 16 next year, while the defence and the state will file their papers and replies from November 23 this year.

The decision for a scheduling order arose yesterday during the accused’s court mention.

Magistrate Mareledi Dipate of Broadhurst Magistrate Court said there had to be progress on the matter even though a substantive magistrate had not yet been appointed.

 “We need to make progress on this case,” he said, adding that he would attend to preliminary issues if they existed, a proposal that the state and the defence agreed with .

 The other accused persons charged alongside Lt. Gen. Khama are former Director General of Directorate on Intelligence and Security (DIS) Isaac Kgosi, suspended Botswana Police Service commissioner Keabetswe Makgophe, his former deputy Bruno Paledi and former DIS Official Sehunelo Khunou.

 All of the accused persons, except Lt. Gen. Khama were present before the court.

The case has not had a substantive magistrate after Mr Masilo Mathaka was appointed to the position of High Court Judge in June.

The accused persons charges include illegal acquisition of firearms, unlawful possession of firearms and stealing of firearms.

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

The second accused Lt. Gen. Khama faces fourteen counts which include receiving stolen property, unlawful possession of firearms, procuring and registering a firearm by false pretences, ownership of an unregistered firearm as well as  aiding and abetting unlawful possession of a firearm.  

Makgophe faces three charges of aiding and abetting unlawful possession of firearms, whilst Paledi has been charged with two counts of aiding and abetting unlawful possession of firearms.

The fifth accused, Sehonou faces a charge of stealing by a person employed in public service.  ENDS