Tafa, Molokomme for the CoA?

Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | Wednesday December 17, 2014 20:54

The federation’s claims come amid speculation that Judge President of the CoA, Ian Kirby will retire next year when he reaches 70 years, in line with a constitutional requirement. Constitutionally, President Ian Khama will exclusively appoint Kirby’s successor, and other CoA judges in consultation with the Judicial Service Commission.

BOFEPUSU deputy secretary general, Ketlhalefile Motshegwa said the federation was aware of maneuveres to appoint Tafa and Molokomme to the highest court in the land. Motshegwa challenged Khama to publicly deny the speculation.

“If this turns out to be true it will not be surprising with the current regime. It will be clear that the President is flooding the bench with his trusted people to serve as gatekeepers of the Executive at the judicial arm of government,” he said. The unionist said BOFEPUSU has “reliable information” that Tafa and Molokomme’s appointments will take effect next year.

“We have access to the government enclave and that is why in October we knew the names of people who would be appointed in different posts and to Cabinet,” he said. AConstitutionally, Tafa and Molokomme qualify for the CoA as they have both served as attorneys for more than ten years in courts of “unlimited jurisdiction in civil and criminal matters in Botswana”. However, government spokesperson, Jeff Ramsay rubbished the federation’s allegations as rumours.

“They are simple speculating what is likely going to happen next year. That is not true,” he said.