. Mmegi has seen the complete investigation docket on the former minister of Tourism, Tshekedi ‘TK’ Khama's alleged abuse of office. The scandal traces its roots back to a 2017 alleged presidential directive and after years of investigation, the Directorate on Corruption and Economic Crime (DCEC) has reportedly concluded its work and the findings are certainly damning. A younger brother and key figure from former president Ian Khama’s administration, TK’s fate now lies in the hands of the Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP), on whether formal charges will be duly laid against him or not.
The investigation was also confirmed by the DCEC when Mmegi enquired about the development recently. Although unable to respond to the detailed questionnaire from Mmegi, the DCEC spokesperson Nlayidzi Gambule said: "We do confirm that the matter at hand was classified for investigation. However, we are constrained to divulge any further information regarding the investigations.” According to the investigation docket, the then Ministry of Environment, Tourism, and Natural Conservation had procured two second-hand Augusta Westland A109 K2 helicopters from Candy Logistics Southern Star Ltd in Dubai for $1,360,000. Whilst the helicopters were delivered to Botswana and accepted by the Department of Wildlife and National Parks, discrepancies have emerged regarding additional two aircraft purchases that were allegedly made but never received. The procurement stemmed from a presidential directive (CAB 10SP/2017), which authorised the ministry to acquire helicopters at a cost of $500,000 each, totalling approximately P26 million. However, the DCEC investigations alleged that three helicopters were allegedly bought, two from Dubai and one from South Africa (SA) at significantly inflated prices. The purchases allegedly include one for $1,550,000, another for $1,300,000, and the final one for $1,361,000. Despite these transactions, only one aircraft was delivered, and forensic analysis allegedly has revealed it was a 14-year-old second-hand model, contradicting initial claims that it was new. Another aircraft, allegedly “meant for anti-poaching operations, mysteriously disappeared only to resurface in an even more shocking condition being stripped for parts”. According to the leaked report, “further investigations showed that Candy Logistics Southern Star Ltd, a company that was suggested by the former minister, was allegedly deregistered shortly after the sale, raising concerns about the legitimacy of the transaction”.
