Khama appeals for secrecy from soldiers

Staff Writer | Wednesday June 25, 2014 06:59

 

It is alleged that Khama discussed the issue of relations of the highest echelons of the army.

Immediately after the commissioning, he held another meeting with all the soldiers at the Corp of Mechanical Engineers (CME), which is a massive warehouse where vehicles are normally parked. 

“The meeting was not held at the auditorium because it can only house 1,200 soldiers. Soldiers were standing shoulder to shoulder at the meeting. 

“All non-uniformed soldiers were screened out of the meeting and not allowed to attend. Those who are on leave, off-sick and not currently on duty,” said the source, adding that the President discussed a number of issues including poaching, and the bahaviour of soldiers in general.

“He pleaded with us that we must keep our secrets as soldiers. He raised a concern about reports doing the rounds in newspapers regarding security issues saying this should not be the case. 

“He said people from the newspapers are sourcing their information from the soldiers,” said a source.

Khama is said to have clarified reports  about the status of the BDF commander Lieutenant General Gaolathe Galebotswe’s position. 

“He said the BDF commander is not going anywhere, not resigning or anything. Khama said police cases involving soldiers are growing at an alarming rate and are a cause for concern. He gave the example of soldiers nabbed recently in possession of elephant tusks,” said the source.

The President is also said to have expressed concern that when contact is made with poachers during patrols, poachers almost always get away and this trend needs to be addressed. 

He promised that good times are coming to the BDF as there are some improvements in the economy and the slow-down of before is better. 

Efforts to reach the BDP public relations officer and the Office of the President were futile at the time of going to press.