Grippen war jets arguments just nave Kgathi

403,Onalenna Kelebeile,, | Thursday May 25, 2017 00:00

Addressing Bobirwa Sub Council meeting in Bobonong on Wednesday Kgathi said he has a duty to protect the nation hence he has to make sure that the army is well equipped.

There had been a serious backlash on the government’s decision to procure the fighter jets amid unfavourable economic conditions and that it was just an unnecessary expenditure. He said the acquisition has been approved by the Cabinet and has gone through all the necessary processes.

“I am going to buy those equipments in the interest of this nation not what the media says. Even the P16 billion budget for Grippen purchase is just false, I cannot disclose how much they cost,” he added. Kgathi further said the Botswana Defence Force should be equipped to protect the country. “Why should I keep the army if I cannot equip them? Terrorism has no appointment and I cannot wait for war to erupt to start equipping the army,” he said.

The minister said the army is refurbished during the time of peace. He said the budget has been approved and he will ensure that the said equipment is purchased. “I want to retire at peace knowing that my country is protected,” he said.

He slammed politicians for blowing the issue out of proportion by misleading people with wrong information. He said politicians must know that people are not stupid. “People know the truth and they lose trust on your quality of leadership if you continue feeding them with wrong information,” he said.

Kgathi also dismissed calls to have police officers receive their full salaries while on suspension or being under investigations and said that will set a wrong precedence. He wondered what example that would set to fellow police officers. “That has been dismissed by Parliament,” he said.

Meanwhile, the minister said the Interstate Transfer of Prisoners Bill will be presented to the National Assembly. He said the Bill aims at facilitating the transfer of prisoners between Botswana and certain countries, which Botswana has entered into agreements with so that prisoners may serve the remainder of their sentences in their respective countries.

He however, said those sentenced to death and those facing rape charges are illegible for transfers. He noted that every year he meets with his counterparts from other countries to discuss issues of national security.