Khama not on the Pretoria agenda - Dipowe
Goitsemodimo Kaelo | Friday April 22, 2022 06:00
However, government has denied that the issue is amongst matters put up for discussion during the fifth Botswana-SA Bi-National Commission meeting in Pretoria as the gathering is squarely about bilateral relations.
“No, the meeting is just for bilateral talks, especially matters of cooperation. Nothing outside this scope will form part of the discussion,” government spokesperson, John Dipowe said in a brief telephone interview.
Although Dipowe has denied that the issue would be discussed, many observers are of the view that Masisi will not let this golden opportunity pass as the matter also borders on the relationship between the two countries.
For a while, the State has been building a case against Khama, whom they accused of threatening national security alongside his close associates including the former spy chief, Isaac Kgosi.
Khama, who has been slapped with multiple charges by Masisi’s government, is on a self-imposed exile in South Africa. The former president has been in South Africa since November 2021.
He allegedly fled the country whilst in a stalemate with the Directorate of Intelligence and Security (DIS) after a court order was issued ordering him to relinquish his weapons to the intelligence agency at its Sebele offices.
The State this week slapped Khama with 14 charges and summoned him to appear in court on Thursday. The 14 charges against Khama are mostly related to unlawful possession of firearms.
Coincidentally, the Pretoria meeting between Masisi and Ramaphosa takes place at a time when Khama is supposed to make his maiden court appearance.
The former president missed his court appearance, as he had not made it back into the country, something that raises questions as to whether he is ever likely to come home for his day in court.
The meeting presents an opportunity for the two statesmen to discuss Khama’s possible repatriation if a warrant of arrest is issued against him for contempt of court.
It is alleged that Khama feels safe and protected in South Africa because of his relationship with South African businesswoman, Bridgette Motsepe-Radebe’s family. Radebe is Ramaphosa’s sister in law.
In the current matter before the court, Khama is accused number two and is charged alongside suspended police Commissioner Keabetswe Makgophe and deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Sport and Culture Development Victor Paledi.
They join Kgosi whose charges amount to a staggering 33 counts.