Will someone please identify the UFO

Weeks after reports that a South African plane violated Botswana airspace, those expected to have the answers are still scratching their heads.

The Civil Aviation Authority of Botswana (CAAB), the Botswana Defence Force (BDF) and the Directorate of Intelligence (DIS) appear to be making no headway getting their heads around what has apparently struck them like an Unidentified Flying Object. In this day and age, it is a puzzle why the three organisations cannot figure out what happened when we thought it was safe to assume that our radar systems were sufficiently sophisticated to pick up any unauthorised objects in our airspace. We say so because radar systems are designed with speeds that aircraft are capable of in mind.

So far, CAAB says their records - radars, presumably - picked up nothing and we assume that the same is true of the BDF and DIS. Was the system faulty? Or did someone tamper with it in order for the plane to fly in and out, as has been claimed? Or maybe the system has blind spots? These questions are relevant because if an unauthorised flying machine can enter Botswana airspace without detection by none of the authorities minded for the purpose, we lie naked to the machinations of whomsoever may be inclined to do us ill in the whole wide world.

Editor's Comment
Diplomatic relations must be on equal footing

“Let us never negotiate out of fear.But let us never fear to negotiate”– John F. KennedySupport for healthcare, education, skills and infrastructure can improve lives. The reaffirmed commitment to the Mmopane–Block 8 road is welcome for the prospect of better transport links for surrounding communities.China has shown willingness to assist Botswana, and government deserves credit for securing these commitments. However, the success of our...

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