Khama returns to Jo'burg
Innocent Selatlhwa | Tuesday July 12, 2022 06:00
This is despite claims that the former president could move further away from Botswana as extradition looms.
Late last month, Permanent Secretary in the Botswana Government Communications and Information Systems, John-Thomas Dipowe issued a statement announcing that Khama would be travelling to the United Kingdom (UK) and Italy.
Dipowe stated that Khama would be in London on June 26 and return to Johannesburg on July 7.
While he confirmed the authenticity of the contents of the statement, Khama said it was not a given that he would return to Johannesburg.
“It is accurate except for the return to Johannesburg which I am undecided about at this time. There were no issues regarding facilitating the trip. My trips were put on hold by myself during the height of COVID(-19). I tend only to embark on trips by invitation. So those I undertake will mostly be as a result of such,” he said then.
According to SKI Khama Foundation Chief Executive Officer, Mogomotsi Kaboemodimo, Khama has returned to Johannesburg where he has been residing since late 2021.
Quizzed to update on Khama’s travel plans, Kaboeamodimo said: “You recall that government did announce that he will be returning to Johannesburg, and yes His Excellency is back in Johannesburg after a very successful trip in Europe.”
The former president was on a private working visit to the UK and Italy where he had a full programme of engagements with his hosts in the two countries, as well as legislators, business, charity and conservation organisations.
While it was expected that Khama would ‘make noise’ about his conflict with his predecessor, he did only a few interviews. Khama had said he would only engage the media if they requested.
“I suspect some may do so as the matter has been extensively covered. But honestly, I would not want it to overshadow the main purpose of my visit to Italy; the same for here. A conference on peace and governance in different parts of the world is the main purpose,” he further told the media.
Khama has been charged with criminal offences that include amongst others unlawful possession of a firearm, receiving stolen property, procuring the registration of a firearm by false pretence, aiding and abetting unlawful possession of a firearm, and ownership of a firearm not registered in accordance with the Arms and Ammunition Act of 2018.