TK in P26m corruption allegations

Sharon Mathala | Monday April 7, 2025 13:02

. Mmegi has seen the complete investigation docket on the former minister of Tourism, Tshekedi ‘TK’ Khama's alleged abuse of office. The scandal traces its roots back to a 2017 alleged presidential directive and after years of investigation, the Directorate on Corruption and Economic Crime (DCEC) has reportedly concluded its work and the findings are certainly damning. A younger brother and key figure from former president Ian Khama’s administration, TK’s fate now lies in the hands of the Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP), on whether formal charges will be duly laid against him or not.

The investigation was also confirmed by the DCEC when Mmegi enquired about the development recently. Although unable to respond to the detailed questionnaire from Mmegi, the DCEC spokesperson Nlayidzi Gambule said: 'We do confirm that the matter at hand was classified for investigation. However, we are constrained to divulge any further information regarding the investigations.” According to the investigation docket, the then Ministry of Environment, Tourism, and Natural Conservation had procured two second-hand Augusta Westland A109 K2 helicopters from Candy Logistics Southern Star Ltd in Dubai for $1,360,000. Whilst the helicopters were delivered to Botswana and accepted by the Department of Wildlife and National Parks, discrepancies have emerged regarding additional two aircraft purchases that were allegedly made but never received. The procurement stemmed from a presidential directive (CAB 10SP/2017), which authorised the ministry to acquire helicopters at a cost of $500,000 each, totalling approximately P26 million. However, the DCEC investigations alleged that three helicopters were allegedly bought, two from Dubai and one from South Africa (SA) at significantly inflated prices. The purchases allegedly include one for $1,550,000, another for $1,300,000, and the final one for $1,361,000. Despite these transactions, only one aircraft was delivered, and forensic analysis allegedly has revealed it was a 14-year-old second-hand model, contradicting initial claims that it was new. Another aircraft, allegedly “meant for anti-poaching operations, mysteriously disappeared only to resurface in an even more shocking condition being stripped for parts”. According to the leaked report, “further investigations showed that Candy Logistics Southern Star Ltd, a company that was suggested by the former minister, was allegedly deregistered shortly after the sale, raising concerns about the legitimacy of the transaction”.



The DCEC investigation concludes that the implicated officials, “acted beyond their mandates and failed to ensure due diligence in government procurement processes”. Khama (TK), alongside six others, have reportedly been preferred for corruption charges by the DCEC. However, Khama—who has been on self-imposed exile since 2023—could not be accessed by the the DCEC, which has since requested the DPP to also consider filing for Mutual Legal Assistance (MLA) so that TK could be brought to answer to the charge(s). Meanwhile TK fled the country shortly after being arrested together with his twin brother Anthony and wife, Thea Khama. He (TK) decried of harassment by the Directorate of Intelligence and Security (DIS) citing concerns about his safety. He and his family members then relocated to SA joining his older brother and former president (Ian) Khama, who had fled the country a few months earlier. Whilst Ian has since returned to the country a few weeks before the 2024 General Election, TK and others are yet to return. Mmegi previously quizzed the former president when his family will return to which he responded by saying the decision is up to his brothers. He further added that people should remember they (his brothers) had to flee after being detained by the DIS, which is headed by Peter Magosi. 'But you should remember that Magosi is still around and still up to his tricks,' the former president said during a press conference last weekend.

Meanwhile, the new administration has wasted no time in giving attention to the matter. Sources reveal that the Ministry of Environment and Tourism summoned officials from the Department of Wildlife and the DCEC for a closed-door meeting, demanding answers. Sources further suggest that the looming government audit is set to expose even more shocking details about the transaction. Mmegi reached out to TK last week, but he is yet to respond to questions despite having visibly seen them on his WhatsApp.