This now means that Khama, who has had some of his court applications turned down as he was labelled a fugitive from justice by the court, is a free man at least through the final push for votes as he campaigns for his party. He arrived before Regional Magistrate, Mareledi Dipate, with an application to have the warrants that relate to a case in which he is facing charges including unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition and receiving stolen property set aside.
After the prosecution was caught off guard by Khama’s appearance then, it remained to be seen whether the State would fight to have him arrested. Khama, who has been on a self-imposed exile in South Africa and Eswatini, made a surprise court appearance on September 13, 2024 and applied for the warrants of arrest against him to be dropped. The application was moved in the absence of the prosecutor. Business was brought to a standstill for sometime at the BBS Mall, and outlets near the Broadhurst Magistrate's Court as many people swamped court buildings to see the former president. Khama’s wish was granted after Dipate dropped the warrants, albeit temporarily then. In an order returnable on September 23, the Magistrate set aside the warrants of arrest for Khama issued on December 29, 2022 and July 12, 2023. Prosecutor Ambrose Mubika had indicated to the court that they didn't oppose the application because the accused had voluntarily brought himself to court. He admitted that "Khama’s appearance had taken them by surprise". Dipate would then put the ball in the State’s court on whether to oppose the application or not.
