03 Sep 2023

Minister of Defence and Security Mr Kagiso Mmusi has quashed as deceitful and unsubstantiated allegations that Thebephatshwa Airbase belonged to the United States of America.

Speaking during the ministry’s press conference on Friday, the minister said Thebephatshwa airbase was financed from the national budget and it belonged to Botswana government.

He said such inaccurate information was of late peddled by some local media outlets and some South African politicians from the African National Congress as well as leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters.

Mr Mmusi said the United States never built an airbase in the country and did not have its soldiers stationed at Thebephatshwa.

He stated that the airbase was constructed by a French company from 1990 to 1996 and financed through the National Development Plan.

Other than that, he said the airbase conducted joint training exercises involving soldiers from neighbouring countries, including South Africa and Zambia.

Mr Mmusi said some media outlets had also alleged procurement irregularities within the ministry, adding that there were structures in place as set by the law governing public procurement in all public tenders.

Further, he said as espoused by government, his ministry continued to empower Batswana by giving them jobs and creating wealth.

The minister also told the press conference that the Botswana Police Service was engaging with some private companies for the construction of 28 police stations and staff houses, which the government would pay over a five-year period.

He said 1 000 police officers were enlisted with the police for the 2022/23 financial year while the same number had been enlisted for the current financial year.

For his part, Botswana Defence Force (BDF) commander, Lieutenant General Placid Segokgo reiterated that Thebephatshwa airbase was built to safeguard the country’s peace and stability.

He said joint exercises between members of the BDF and foreign nationals conducted at the airbase gave the visitors an opportunity to establish that the airbase belonged to the country.

Also, he said Thebephatshwa Airbase served as an alternative for flights that could not land at Sir Seretse Khama International Airport for whatever reason.

For his part, Botswana Police Service acting commissioner, Mr Phemelo Ramakorwane said they were investing in technology to efficiently to fight crime in the country. 

Among the new developments, he said would be the use of drones in policing activities. ENDS