Makgophe troubles long overdue
Mpho Mokwape | Monday March 28, 2022 06:00
Makgophe has been reportedly under investigation for a long time in relation to the licensing of guns to both former president Ian Khama and the former spy chief Isaac Kgosi. For a long time, there has been rising reports of suspension, redeployment and investigations against the police chief and now it is not surprising that the DIS has openly carried its mission to question him.
In 2019, Makgophe allegedly became the DIS’ main target and fell under investigation by the unit following a raid at Kgosi’s residence where guns and ammunition were confiscated. He was reported to be facing possible redeployment from the police force but nothing concrete came out of the reports. At the time, numerous sources confirmed to Mmegi that the Commissioner got into trouble due to the gun licenses that were given to the former spy man Kgosi and his associates.
The guns were reported to be of the military and should have not been in individuals’ hands. “Makgophe will likely be redeployed to another Ministry so that investigation could be conducted freely without his interference,” said the source. Accordingly reports, Makgophe did not give the licenses to Kgosi himself but instructed one of his deputies to do so as he was also acting on instructions. It was alleged that besides one of the deputy commissioner knowing, the Permanent Secretary to the President at the time also knew about the matter as he was briefed. In the same year, Makgophe was allegedly given a letter to show cause why he should not be suspended.
Reportedly, he was suspended and Mmegi broke the news following numerous sources confirming his suspension but the letter was rescinded before it became public. However, at the time, the DIS boss Peter Magosi dismissed reports of the Commissioner’s investigation as mere allegations.
He explained that there was no investigation against the Commissioner. “I am outside the country but I can confirm that no investigation has been carried against anyone, it is not true,” he had said. Makgophe was also reached for comment and couldn’t deny or confirm his investigations choosing to direct the questions to his employer. Now the investigations have allegedly been intensified by the fact that Khama is accused of having 'weapons of war' and it is alleged some of the firearms were licensed by the Commissioner.
Makgophe is reportedly helping the DIS in their investigations after being taken into their office since Monday this week. Meanwhile, by the time of going to press, Makgophe had engaged Kgosietsile Ngakaagae as his attorney and he was trying to facilitate his release as he was still under the DIS custody. When reached for comment, Ngakaagae’s phone rang unanswered.