‘We will not arrest Khama immediately’ - State :: Mmegi Online

State lawyers told the court this morning that they have never said that they will arrest former President Ian Khama immediately but his warrant was arranged to begin the extradition process. The lawyers were responding to a point raised by Khama who gave reasons why his application to suspend his warrant of arrest should heard on urgency.

The lawyer, Sefelani Thapelo told the court that, “We never said we will arrest him immediately. It may take a few months.”

Thapelo further added that the only reason the state applied for a warrant against the former President was so start the extradition process which does not happen overnight. Thapelo also said if Khama was in Botswana there would be not need for the State to apply for a warrant of arrest as he could be arrested without it. “The applicant’s alleged strong belief that his arrest is imminent is ill- founded. The supporting affidavit by Merapelo Mokgosi is consistent with The Extradition (Designated Commonwealth Countries) Order Cap 09:03 as well as The Southern African Development Community Protocol on Extradition signed by the contracting parties on the October 3, 2002. The applicant has not even alleged that he intends to return to Botswana any time soon," he said.