Zimbabwe to lift rangers' PI status

EPHRAIM KEORENG
Staff Writer | Wednesday February 24, 2010 00:00

 

Government spokesperson Jeff Ramsay said this was revealed at a meeting to discuss the strained security relations between the two states after the three rangers were arrested. Defence, Justice and Security Minister Ramadeluka Seretse and four Zimbabwean ministers, Emmerson Mnangagwa of Defence, Patrick Chinamasa of Justice and legal Affairs, Sidney Sekeremayi of National security and home Affairs Minister Giles Mutseyekwa agreed that they would reconsider the PI status on the wildlife officers.

The meeting held in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe is said to have come up with an agreement for that country to immediately release a Botswana vehicle and rifles, which were confiscated by the Mugabe government after the trio's arrest. The Zimbabwean ministers are also said to have agreed for the country to drop its appeal against the court decision to drop charges against the three officers.

The purpose of the meeting was to prepare for the smooth holding of the Joint Permanent Commission for Cooperation (JPCC) on Defence and Security to be held in Victoria Falls from February 22-26. The ministers are also said to have pledged to revive channels of communication that exist between the two governments for the smooth running of their affairs. Zimbabwe is said to have raised concern over the relay station of Voice of America's Studio 7, based in Selibe-Phikwe, Botswana. The Zimbabwean government has always insisted that the station is used to broadcast propaganda against the Mugabe regime.

The Botswana government has remained adamant that nothing illegal is going on at the Selibe-Phikwe based station adding that VOA does its broadcasting from Washington in the United States whilst its only hosting its relay station at Selebi-Phikwe.