Mosu revealed
Staff Writer | Friday September 19, 2014 16:28
Leaked pictures of the controversial compound offer a rare glimpse into the world of Khama, his family and close friends. Mosu compound is not a ‘basic dwelling place’ described in the state media in 2013 by Mpenzani Jere the man who allegedly constructed the compound.
The controversial constructor is closely associated with President Khama and Isaac Kgosi, the director Directorate on Intelligence and Security.
Allegations have been rife since 2013 that the compound was constructed using government resources. The government has vehemently denied this, but sources within the security services have maintained the government officers and members of the Botswana Defence Force (BDF) were heavily involved in the construction of the compound. “We were part of the construction. We used BDF machinery from our bases in Francistown to assist in the construction of most of the houses in the compound. Further we received overtime allowances for our stay at Mosu, Of course there were private contractors but we also played part,” said a BDF officer who was part of the construction.
Mmegi is in possession of dozens of up close and never seen before pictures of the compound.
An independent real estate valuer differed with Jere’s claim that the developments within the compound would amount to P500 000 or even less. In an interview posted on Youtube Jere said, “I don’t see how one could put millions in that project (Mosu compound).” He said they used the cheapest material in constructing houses within the compound.
According to the estate valuer, while it is difficult to establish the value of the developments made in the compound through the pictures it is highly unlikely the value is less than P1 million. “I am being conservative it could be more because again the houses sits in a pristine location,” he said.
Compound upkeep
Most houses in the compound are neatly painted, and air-conditioned. Some parts of the yard are neatly paved. According to sources, including those within the BDF, apart from army officers engaged in the construction of the airstrip that is within the president’s compound there are other officers stationed at the compound and are involved in the up keep of the President’s homestead. In fact sources allege employees of a BDP politician in Mosu are regularly engaged to clean the yard. In most cases sources say they do this with the supervision of the BDF personnel.
Last Friday Botswana Congress Party called reported Khama to the office of the Ombudsman and called her to investigate president Khama over the alleged abuse of office and public funds.