Lawyers, Khama clash over judges appointments
UP IN ARMS: Law Society of Botswana members
The expected appointment of Dr Zein Kebonang as the acting judge of the High Court of Botswana has raised fresh concerns over the independence, credibility and integrity of the country’s judiciary and caused unrest within the legal fraternity.
The Law Society of Botswana (LSB) in particular has expressed great concern over the matter and made it known that they would be challenging Kebonang’s appointment through the High Court as they believe the appointment was unconstitutional and irregular.
Speaking during this week’s media briefing in Gaborone on Wednesday evening, the deputy chairperson of the LSB, Kgalalelo Monthe revealed that their attorneys have started working on the court papers.
“Yesterday (Tuesday), the LSB on the advice of its attorneys decided to review its position in so far as procedure is concerned. Instead of moving an urgent application to interdict the acting appointment of Dr Kebonang or any other person so appointed, the LSB has decided to move an application in the normal cause so that it focuses its energies on the more important move, which is a substantive application which will be launched once the statutory notices expire,” Monthe explained.
The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) advised President Lieutenant General Seretse Khama Ian Khama to appoint Kebonang an acting Judge early this week, after he rejected their initial advice to appoint Anthony Motumise as the judge of the same court last week. Motumise is a senior lawyer with a private law firm.
Although the President allegedly did not give any reasons for rejecting Motumise, the JSC went on to appoint Kebonang, who is believed to be pro ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) and allegedly has not been actively practicing law for some time now. In 2010, Kebonang who is a twin Brother to Sadique Kebonang who sits in President Khama’s cabinet was roped into the BDP intellectual team, a think tank that was set up to draw the party media game plan and clean up the party’s image.
The then Minister of Educations and Skills Development, currently that of Foreign Affairs Pelonomi Venson-Moitoi who was masterminding the strategy had revealed that the BDP had roped in “friends of the BDP.”
Kebonang has also written a number of newspaper commentaries in support of the BDP and President Khama.
However at the time of going to print, the President was yet to officially declare the appointment of Kebonang as the acting judge and the LSB were still working on the court papers which would cite the President and the JSC as respondents.
“JSC would be sued as a party because they succumbed to the President’s decision. The JSC and the President appear to be singing the same note,” explained Dick Bayford who is leading the legal team in this case.
Bayford suggested that, they would therefore request the Chief Justice and the President of the court of Appeal to recuse themselves from the next appointment exercise as they are seemingly conflicted.
The Chief Justice and the President of the Court of Appeal are directly appointed by the President. Other Judges are suggested by the JSC and the President’s powers in the appointment are very limited as he has to act according to advice by the commission.
“The President is entitled to make his own judgment. The constitution states that he is not required to take advice from anyone unless otherwise provided for by the constitution. Why would the framers of the constitution make that deliberate provision? That is why we say he has no right to reject the advice of the JSC,” added one of the legal team members, Osego Garebamono.
It may take months before the case is finally argued in court, but the legal team is optimistic that the end results would have consequential results on the future appointments of judges. According to Tshiamo Rantao, of Rantao Kewagamang Attorneys will be handling the case, the court declaration “would have consequential relief and will be binding to the President and future Presidents.”
The background of the conflict is that in March 2015, the LSB was informed that there would be a meeting of the JSC on Friday 20, March, 2015. The notice that President Khama had rejected the recommendation of the JSC to appoint Motumise as judge of the High court was the agenda.
Two days before the meeting, Rantao issued a statutory notice to JSC, President Khama and the Attorney General of their intention to oppose the action through court proceedings. The application would be for an order amongst others, that the refusal by the President to appoint Motumise as a judge contravened section 96 (6) of the constitution which makes it mandatory for the President to appoint a judge in accordance with the advice of the JSC. The position of the LSB is that the President has no discretion and therefore must appoint in accordance with such an advice.
The statutory notice further recommended that the JSC should not recommend to the President any other name for appointment, whether in an acting or full-time capacity pending the court proceedings. However on Monday, the JSC went ahead and recommended Zein Kebonang for appointment as acting judge.
On Wednesday, 25th March, 2015, Rantao issued yet another statutory notice to indicate that the acting appointment will be challenged at the High court as being unconstitutional.
The case would require interpretation of the constitution and the court filing is expected to commence around the 25th, April, 2015.
The case comes a few months after the LSB had another raw with the chief Justice over allegations that some attorneys were in the habit of forum shopping whereby they would take their cases to the judges who would give them the “right” judgment.
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BPC Signs PPA with Sekaname Energy
The Botswana Power Corporation (BPC) has taken a significant step towards diversifying its energy mix by signing a power purchase agreement with Sekaname Energy for the production of power from coal bed methane in Mmashoro village. This agreement marks a major milestone for the energy sector in Botswana as the country transitions from a coal-fired power generation system to a new energy mix comprising coal, gas, solar, and wind.
The CEO of BPC, David Kgoboko, explained that the Power Purchase Agreement is for a 6MW coal bed methane proof of concept project to be developed around Mmashoro village. This project aligns with BPC’s strategic initiatives to increase the proportion of low-carbon power generation sources and renewable energy in the energy mix. The use of coal bed methane for power generation is an exciting development as it provides a hybrid solution with non-dispatchable sources of generation like solar PV. Without flexible base-load generation, the deployment of non-dispatchable solar PV generation would be limited.
Kgoboko emphasized that BPC is committed to enabling the development of a gas supply industry in Botswana. Sekaname Energy, along with other players in the coal bed methane exploration business, is a key and strategic partner for BPC. The successful development of a gas supply industry will enable the realization of a secure and sustainable energy mix for the country.
The Minister of Minerals & Energy, Lefoko Moagi, expressed his support for the initiative by the private sector to develop a gas industry in Botswana. The country has abundant coal reserves, and the government fully supports the commercial extraction of coal bed methane gas for power generation. The government guarantees that BPC will purchase the generated electricity at reasonable tariffs, providing cash flow to the developers and enabling them to raise equity and debt funding for gas extraction development.
Moagi highlighted the benefits of developing a gas supply industry, including diversified primary energy sources, economic diversification, import substitution, and employment creation. He commended Sekaname Energy for undertaking a pilot project to prove the commercial viability of extracting coal bed methane for power generation. If successful, this initiative would unlock the potential of a gas production industry in Botswana.
Sekaname Energy CEO, Peter Mmusi, emphasized the multiple uses of natural gas and its potential to uplift Botswana’s economy. In addition to power generation, natural gas can be used for gas-to-liquids, compressed natural gas, and fertilizer production. Mmusi revealed that Sekaname has already invested $57 million in exploration and infrastructure throughout its resource area. The company plans to spend another $10-15 million for the initial 6MW project and aims to invest over $500 million in the future for a 90MW power plant. Sekaname’s goal is to assist BPC in becoming a net exporter of power within the region and to contribute to Botswana’s transition to cleaner energy production.
In conclusion, the power purchase agreement between BPC and Sekaname Energy for the production of power from coal bed methane in Mmashoro village is a significant step towards diversifying Botswana’s energy mix. This project aligns with BPC’s strategic initiatives to increase the proportion of low-carbon power generation sources and renewable energy. The government’s support for the development of a gas supply industry and the commercial extraction of coal bed methane will bring numerous benefits to the country, including economic diversification, import substitution, and employment creation. With the potential to become a net exporter of power and a cleaner energy producer, Botswana is poised to make significant strides in its energy sector.
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UDC deadlock: Boko, Ndaba, Reatile meet
It is not clear as to when, but before taking a festive break in few weeks’ time UDC leaders would have convened to address the ongoing deadlock surrounding constituency allocation in the negotiations for the 2024 elections. The leaders, Duma Boko of the UDC, Mephato Reggie Reatile of the BPF, and Ndaba Gaolathe of the AP, are expected to meet and discuss critical matters and engage in dialogue regarding the contested constituencies.
The negotiations hit a stalemate when it came to allocating constituencies, prompting the need for the leaders to intervene. Representatives from the UDC, AP, and BPF were tasked with negotiating the allocation, with Dr. Patrick Molotsi and Dr. Philip Bulawa representing the UDC, and Dr. Phenyo Butale and Wynter Mmolotsi representing the AP.
The leaders’ meeting is crucial in resolving the contentious issue of constituency allocation, which has caused tension among UDC members and potential candidates for the 2024 elections. After reaching an agreement, the leaders will engage with the members of each constituency to gauge their opinions and ensure that the decisions made are favored by the rank and file. This approach aims to avoid unnecessary costs and conflicts during the general elections.
One of the main points of contention is the allocation of Molepolole South, which the BNF is adamant about obtaining. In the 2019 elections, the UDC was the runner-up in Molepolole South, securing the second position in seven out of eight wards. Other contested constituencies include Metsimotlhabe, Kgatleng East and West, Mmadinare, Francistown East, Shashe West, Boteti East, and Lerala Maunatlala.
The criteria used for constituency allocation have also become a point of dispute among the UDC member parties. The issue of incumbency is particularly contentious, as the criterion for constituency allocation suggests that current holders of UDC’s council and parliamentary seats should be given priority for re-election without undergoing primary elections. Disadvantaged parties argue that this approach limits democratic competition and hinders the emergence of potentially more capable candidates.
Another disputed criterion is the allocation based on the strength and popularity of a party in specific areas. Parties argue that this is a subjective criterion that leads to disputes and favoritism, as clear metrics for strength and visibility cannot be defined. The BNF, in particular, questions the demands of the new entrants, the BPF and AP, as they lack a traceable track record to support their high expectations.
The unity and cohesion of the UDC are at stake, with the BPF and AP expressing dissatisfaction and considering withdrawing from the negotiations. Therefore, it is crucial for the leaders to expedite their meeting and find a resolution to these disputes.
In the midst of these negotiations, the BNF has already secured 15 constituencies within the UDC coalition. While the negotiations are still ongoing, BNF Chairman Dr. Molotsi revealed that they have traditionally held these constituencies and are expecting to add more to their tally. The constituencies include Gantsi North, Gantsi South, Kgalagadi North, Kgalagadi South, Good Hope – Mmathethe, Kanye North, Kanye South, Lobatse, Molepolole North, Gaborone South, Gaborone North, Gaborone Bonnignton North, Takatokwane, Letlhakeng, and Tlokweng.
The resolution of the contested constituencies will test the ability of the UDC to present a united front in the 2024 National Elections will depend on the decisions made by the three leaders. It is essential for them to demonstrate maturity and astuteness in resolving the constituency allocation deadlock and ensuring the cohesion of the UDC.
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Repeat flight-risk suspect pays the piper
In Botswana, the Constitution Section 5 (3) (b) provides that conditions of bail are necessary to ensure that an accused appears at a later date for trial or for proceedings preliminary to trial. These conditions may include restrictions on interfering with state witnesses, the payment of a certain amount, the provision of sureties, the submission of travel documents, reporting to the police regularly, and appearing for all court mentions or proceedings. Failure to abide by these conditions can result in the revocation of bail. Robert Seditseng, a murder accused who has been detained since 2016, is currently facing the consequences of not adhering to his bail conditions – therefore paying the piper.
Despite numerous unsuccessful bail applications over the past five years, Gaborone High Court judge Michael Leburu denied Seditseng bail this week. Seditseng had requested to be set free before his trial starts on April 12th, but his freedom will now depend on the verdict. He is charged with the murder of his girlfriend, Siscah Mutukee, on June 22nd, 2016, in Charleshill.
Judge Leburu ruled that Seditseng is not a candidate for bail due to being a flight risk, as he has previously absconded from court. Defense lawyer David Ndlovu pleaded with the court to consider the time Seditseng has already spent in prison, but Leburu questioned whether there was any guarantee that Seditseng would not abscond again, given that he had done so twice before.
An affidavit from Investigations officer (IO), Constable Kedibonye Botsalo, supports the view that Seditseng is not a suitable candidate for bail due to his tendency to abscond when granted bail. The affidavit explains that Seditseng was initially denied bail by the magistrate court due to ongoing investigations and the possibility of tampering with evidence. However, a concession was later made by the prosecution, and Seditseng was granted conditional bail by the lower court.
The court documents reveal that Seditseng failed to appear before court on March 7th, 2016, without providing any explanation. As a result, a warrant for his arrest was issued. The case proceeded without him on several occasions until he finally appeared before court on July 13th, 2017. On that day, Seditseng’s bail was revoked due to his inability to provide valid reasons for his absences.
On October 4th, 2017, Seditseng was granted bail for the second time. However, he was once again absent from court on October 31st, 2017, without providing any reasons. He continued to be absent from court on five subsequent occasions until his arrest and appearance before court on August 30th, 2018.
During a period of nine months, Seditseng absconded from court without providing any reasons for his actions. This repeated pattern of absconding demonstrates a clear disregard for the bail conditions and raises concerns about his willingness to appear for trial.
Given Seditseng’s history of absconding and the potential risk of him doing so again, Judge Leburu’s decision to deny him bail is justified. The purpose of bail is to ensure the accused’s presence at trial, and Seditseng has repeatedly shown a lack of commitment to fulfilling this obligation. It is crucial to prioritize the safety of the community and the integrity of the justice system by keeping flight-risk suspects like Seditseng in custody until their trial is concluded.
In conclusion, the denial of bail to repeat flight-risk suspect Robert Seditseng is a necessary measure to ensure his appearance at trial. His history of absconding from court and failure to provide valid reasons for his actions demonstrate a disregard for the bail conditions and raise concerns about his willingness to face justice. By denying him bail, the court is prioritizing the safety of the community and upholding the integrity of the justice system.