Autlwetse tight-lipped on fire attack
Chakalisa Dube | Monday April 18, 2022 06:00
Sources have since said the minister remains on high alert and his security detail has been scaled up by the government following the incident. More than a week ago, Autlwetse’s Toyota Hilux GD-6 was engulfed by fire. A small portion of his house also caught fire. The police would later arrest three youth in relation to the incident.
The three have since appeared in court and will appear again for mention on April 20, 2022. “I do not want to talk about the incident for now. I have left everything in the hands of the police. It is important for the nation to get updates in relation to incidents such as this one, but I will talk at the right time. I do not want to end up saying something that might end up jeopardizsing the case,” said the minister in reaction to enquiries from Mmegi. The publication had contacted Autlwetse to establish the kind of interventions he has sought to enhance his safety, security and that of his family following the attack at his home. The government said the attacks on the minister’s property were politically motivated.
The police later added that the attack was a deliberate action by some unknown individuals as some of their footsteps around the scene were visible. Autlwetse has fallen out with some Bangwato who accuse him of not doing enough in his role as arbitrator in a feud involving former president Ian Khama and his successor Mokgweetsi Masisi.
He is also accused of leaning towards Masisi, whom Bangwato royals accuse of ill-treating Khama and his family. The police are also said to have intensified night patrols around Serowe following the Autlwetse arson incident. This week Officer Commanding (OC) for District No. 2, senior superintendent Paul Oketsang told Mmegi that he cannot directly respond to Autlwetse’s case or whether the minister’s security has been heightened. “I cannot extensively discuss issues surrounding police operations with the media.
All I can say is that ensuring the safety of every citizen in the country is very paramount. We will always apply the necessary interventions to ensure that the safety of every Motswana is not compromised. We also continue to encourage every Motswana to prioritise their safety,” Oketsang told Mmegi in an interview yesterday. He added: “It will also not be ideal to discuss details around the matter in the media because it is before the courts.”