Khama to sue Mmusi over corruption allegations
Sharon Mathala | Monday September 18, 2023 06:00
In a statement released this week, the visibly irked minister made startling allegations against Khama, especially during his administration. Mmusi alleged that Khama left behind a demoralised BDF with poor working conditions of service, dilapidated infrastructure as well as ageing, sub-standard and unserviceable equipment procured by his twin brothers’ company, Seleka Springs.
“The flawed, unethical and corrupt practices in the procurement process were perpetrated and perpetuated by the likes of retired General Khama through the monopolising of defence tenders using countless companies in excess of 20, such as the notorious Seleka Springs from which he and his family benefited enormously and incomparable to any company dealing with the BDF at the time,” Mmusi’s statement reads in part. The Defence minister further alleged that all this was done to serve the former president’s family business interest rather than to address the security challenges of the country. In response, Khama has denied all the allegations and has threatened to sue Mmusi.
Mmegi had sent a questionnaire to the former president who is currently in self-imposed exile in South Africa to answer to government’s allegations. Explaining the relationship between government and his brothers' company, Khama said, “Seleka Springs first started their interaction with the BDF when General Merafhe was the Commander.
This continued to when I was the commander. During my tenure, I declared this situation to the Directorate on Corruption and Economic Crime (DCEC) and also to my immediate superior, the Permanent Secretary to the President (PSP) and also to the tender board, as it was known then. They continued this interaction with all my successors I’m told. Furthermore, they had interactions with other government departments in other ministries. I am not aware of any substandard equipment and would ask you to provide specifics.” Khama further threatened to sue Mmusi. “Ask the government liars to give you details of the companies linked to me which they say I gained from.
I challenge them to say which tenders I manipulated for personal gain and provide proof of such within seven days, failing which I intend to sue them.” Responding to the state in which he left soldiers, Khama admits the living conditions of soldiers are deplorable. “Soldiers did live in substandard accommodation as they still do today. Due to the competing requirements in the BDF at the time when it was still in its early stages of development, recruitment due to security threats outran the provision of permanent accommodation.
Alongside accommodation, was also the need for equipment, other military facilities, air and road transport, uniforms and free feeding to be able to provide a cross-section of requirements to meet the various roles associated with an army.” Khama further questioned why the allegations are only being brought up now, years later.
“This is all political. Why is it being brought up now about things they claim happened over 25 years ago? Indeed my onslaught as you call it in exposing the corruption, incompetence, and violation of the rule of law and human rights has frustrated them. I will continue to do so and as such my second dossier revealing their failings will be released following on from the first one and will be shared far and wide," he added. Khama also took the opportunity to take a swipe at President Mokgweetsi Masisi.
“They will need to take up permanent residence at Btv to try and counter their usual lies. The never-ending wasteful holiday joy rides overseas that have never brought any benefit to our country will of course continue as Masisi runs away from the challenges the country is facing brought about by his incompetence,” he said.