Foul Play 'Possible' In Presidential Chopper Grounding
Innocent Selatlhwa | Monday July 22, 2019 13:05
Directorate of Intelligence and Security (DIS) director general, Peter Magosi does not rule out foul play.
“At this point I cannot comment as investigations are ongoing, but remember I told you guys that the security environment has changed and therefore anything is possible,” he said.
Magosi recently told a press conference that Masisi’s life was in danger. He shared of an incident whereby OK1 presidential jet had to return mid-way en route to Mozambique.
The first citizen and four other passengers along with three aircrew members landed safely and without injury upon arrival from a Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) candidate launch in Mathangwane.
“While taxiing for landing at Francistown Airport the pilots reported an engine fire indication where upon they promptly executed an engine shut down and landing on runway 13 at the airport.
The emergency response at Francistown Airport also responded to provide assistance with fire retardant foam,” reads a joint statement from Office of the President and the Botswana Defence Force (BDF). In the statement, the BDF assured the nation that all required maintenance and safety procedures are taken to assure the safe passage of the President as well as any other principles in their care.
“The same care is taken for the safe operation of all BDF flights regardless of who is onboard.
With regard to this incident the Commander BDF has ordered an investigation through a Board of Enquiry to determine the cause of the engine fire the actions of the aircrews and all other circumstances surrounding this incident,” the statement read.