Khama’s no-show as others take the dock
Mpho Mokwape | Monday April 25, 2022 06:00
It is without doubt that the fully packed court was waiting with baited breath for the appearance of Khama even though many knew it was a far-fetched dream.
The packed court with many even standing to catch the action maintained wishful thinking despite knowing that it was a going to be a mission impossible for the former president to appear in court as he has not been in the country for long and has not shown any signs of returning home soon.
Khama, who is facing 14 counts related to firearms, left the country around November last year after being under alleged constant harassment from the security agencies including being raided in relation to suspected concealed arms of war.
His co-accused persons, former spy chief Isaac Kgosi, suspended police Commissioner Keabetswe Makgophe and Victor Paledi all appeared in court and as usual the media frenzy was there as photographers and reporters scrambled to get a glimpse of them.
For Kgosi, he appeared as calm as ever and it was just one of those deja vu moments as he has been to the courts many times while Makgophe and Paledi appeared a bit taken aback by the constant flashing of cameras but still maintained a calm demeanour.
It took a while for the Magistrate, Masilo Mathaka to make an appearance as he was handling another Kgosi matter.
His appearance made an end to the waiting and speculation as the State represented by Sifelani Thapelo immediately sought a postponement and mentioned that it has not been able to serve Khama.
He explained to court that they have issued an amended charge sheet so the defence needs time to look at it.
“We have just served the accused persons with an amended charge sheet this morning and they will need time to look at it. We also confirm that we have not been able to serve the second accused (Khama) as he is not in the country,” he said.
The defence team of Thabiso Tafila and Unoda Mack representing Kgosi confirmed receiving the charge sheet, same as Kgosietsile Ngakaagae who is representing Makgophe.
Khama’s attorney, Tebogo Tladi said the former president has not been served while Paledi represented himself and confirmed that in the next mention he would have engaged a lawyer.
After the conclusion of the matter, the atmosphere outside the courtroom told a different story as one could tell that many people who graced the court to witness the unfolding events were disappointed at the lack of action.
Many did not get the thrill they had expected when the news broke out that Khama is now facing criminal charges and he would be brought before court.
Meanwhile, the amended charge sheet showed an increase of Khama’s charges from 13 to 14 counts while Kgosi’s own rose from 20 counts to a staggering 32.
The case was postponed to June 6, 2022 when the accused would be arraigned.