Sedudu killings reopen old wounds

Heating up: Masisi has appealed for calm over the incident at Sedudu PIC: THALEFANG CHALES
Heating up: Masisi has appealed for calm over the incident at Sedudu PIC: THALEFANG CHALES

President Mokgweetsi Masisi yesterday afternoon called for calm on both sides as tensions simmered between Batswana and Namibians over the killing of four suspected poachers by the Botswana Defence Force. Emotions in Namibia have been stoked particularly because Sedudu Island, the site of the incident, was a hotly contested territory between the two countries 21 years ago. Staff Writers MBONGENI MGUNI & THALEFANG CHARLES report

On Tuesday, authoritative sources in Kasane reported that top Botswana Defence Force (BDF) officials were in the border town leading an investigation into the recent deaths of four men at the hands of local anti-poaching forces.

Namibian mainstream media, meanwhile, reported that BDF helicopters flew across the border into the neighbouring country apparently observing the area, in a move that Namibians on social media took as a slap in the face of their country’s sovereignty.

Editor's Comment
Justice delayed is trust denied

Batswana who marched peacefully for 'Justice for Tshepi' demanded answers. They have now received a detailed account of police investigation and a promise that the file is with the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP). The real test is whether the state now keeps its word without further prodding. In his address, the minister asked the nation to trust the process. He spoke of rigour, not neglect, and pointed to 10 months of...

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