Connect with us
Advertisement

DCEC granted warrant to arrest Khama twins

The Directorate on Corruption and Economic Crime (DCEC) has been granted permission to apprehend the former Minister of Environment, Wildlife and Tourism, Tshekedi Khama, and his twin brother Anthony Khama.

Information gathered by this publication suggests that the DCEC is actively searching for the Khama brothers, this is in connection with events that transpired whilst Tshekedi was Minister of Environment. The duo is currently in exile in South Africa together with their elder brother, and former President Lt Gen Ian Khama.

Approximately two weeks ago, the corruption-busting agency discreetly filed for an arrest warrant that was approved by the Broadhurst Magistrate Court for the two to be taken into custody, according to a highly placed source within the government enclave.

DCEC is also said to have filed an affidavit signed by a high-ranking officer known to this publication. Reports indicate that after being presented with details of the case, the Broadhurst magistrate issued the agency an arrest warrant.

It is also believed that the agency has been conducting extensive investigations into the supposed suspects for quite some time. Furthermore, Weekend Post has it on good word that the DCEC has been looking for methods to summon the two for questioning but has been unsuccessful.

According to unconfirmed reports, DCEC met with attorney Victor Ramalepa, who refused to accept the summons, saying that he is not their attorney. Furthermore, it is believed that DCEC has enlisted the assistance of the Botswana Police Service (BPS) in flagging the suspects’ names in the International Criminal Police Organisation INTERPOL.

Responding to WeekendPost enquiries, DCEC spokesperson Lentswe Motshoganetsi said, “I am not in good position to confirm or deny the allegation,” adding that such allegations may fall within the operational purview of the DCEC.

When contacted for comment, Ramalepa briefly stated that he is unaware of the purported arrest warrant. “I know nothing about the warrant and I haven’t been served with anything,” he said.

Meanwhile, former president Lt Gen Ian Khama recently issued a statement stating that DIS is intensifying the harassment and intimidation of him, family, friends and office employees.

“It is reprehensible for state officials and agencies to abuse government resources to terrorise their own citizens for personal gain,” said the former president in a statement.

He also stated that his brother TK’s staff and security were ordered to falsely implicate him. “Their desperate tactics will never work, it only serves to motivate me more to pursue regime change and free Botswana from tyranny,” he said

This comes after the corruption busting agency wants to interview the alleged suspects as they are still hiding in South Africa since last year.

Despite the hostility between government and Khama family going unabated, last month, Masisi extended an olive branch to Khama in political rally, indicating that he hopes the two of them settle their differences, of which the former responded by welcoming the gesture.

Khama further said his brother, Tshekedi, will facilitate the reconciliation of his behalf. Many have indicated that Masisi did not say what he said in good faith, and was only scoring political brownies since he was in Khama’s territory in Shoshong.

Continue Reading

News

BDF SERVICE MEMBER DIES IN MOZAMBIQUE

27th March 2024

The Botswana Defence Force (BDF) says one of its service members deployed in Cabo – Delgado Province in the Republic of Mozambique due to a short illness.

The member passed away on this morning.

The deceased Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO) was deployed as part of the BDF’s Contingent 5 under SAMIM Forces in the Cabo Delgado Province for peace support operations in the Republic of Mozambique.

The next of kin have been informed.

 

 

Continue Reading

News

BTC’S FINANCIAL INCLUSION PROGRAMME COVERS THE OKAVANGO DISTRICT

22nd March 2024

Botswana Telecommunications Corporation Limited (BTC) continued its financial inclusion programme in the Okavango district, covering areas such as Habu, Etsha 6, Ikoga and Nxaunxau. The drive will this week move to areas around Shakawe sub district, still under the Okavango district. The BTC financial literacy campaign, which is delivered in partnership with Bank of Botswana and Hollard is designed to give financially excluded Batswana access to financial services through literacy and opening of a transactional account. BTC partnered with Hollard to develop Karabo Funeral plan which is an inclusive product (affordable). As part of the delivery of this programme, BTC has so far launched and partnered with Village Development Committees (VDCs) in sixteen (17) villages to transform them into BTC service centres. A total of 30 villages countrywide will be covered as BTC continues to engage the leadership and residents on mobile financial service solutions.

Speaking at the financial inclusion engagement in the Okavango region, BTC Head of Mobile Financial Services (Acting), Mr Kgosietsile Moatlhodi stated that through these engagements, BTC supports the Government of Botswana’s inclusion initiative which aims at ensuring that Batswana, regardless of their geographical position and financial status, have access to a transaction account; a transaction account serves as a gateway to other financial services such as insurance and medical aid.

Additionally, he informed residents of a success story of the partnership that BTC has formulated with Ghanzi District Council. “Under this partnership, the two entities signed a partnership with BTC for bulk payments using Smega following the discontinuation of cheques, that is to include non-banked communities throughout the district. He added that “this partnership forms a critical part in the financial inclusion agenda which aims to improve the economic livelihood of all Batswana as per the Bank of Botswana mandate to ensure that all communities participate in the financial ecosystem”. He stated that the partnership was a move in the right direction, as Smega bulk payments solution can pay beneficiaries instantly on their Smega wallets.

Residents were also cautioned not to entertain fraudsters that lure them to reveal their personal sensitive information in order to rob them. Speaking on fraud awareness, BTC Compliance Manager, Mr Tumeo Lesole stated that one must never think that they can win a competition that they never participated on in. He cautioned Batswana and users of BTC services not to be too trusting and do background checks to avoid being scammed and robbed. Moreover, as part of the literacy training,

Continue Reading

News

Masisi rejects BDP suspensions

21st March 2024

The Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) is gearing up for its primary elections, known as Bulela Ditswe, and the Party Central Committee (CC) has made it clear that there will be suspensions of potential primary elections candidates. The Political Education and Electoral Committee (PEEC) has been instructed not to entertain any complaints that may arise, and any suspensions brought by regions or branches will be set aside. The decision also has the blessing of the party leader, President Mokgweetsi Masisi.

Sources inside the party say the decision to not vet or suspend candidates is a strategic move by the party leadership to ensure a level playing field for all contenders. The CC wants all candidates to have an equal opportunity to compete in the primaries, without any bias or favoritism. This directive also aims to prevent any accusations of the party leadership being partial towards certain candidates.

Despite complaints from some branches and regions about alleged improper actions against certain candidates, the CC has chosen to ignore these grievances. The party leadership is adamant that all candidates who have expressed their intention to contest should be allowed to do so, without any hindrance. There were complaints raised against potential candidates such as Odirile Sento affectionately known as Vee Mampeezy in the music circles; some complaints had also surfaced from the Mmadinare constituency by minister Molebatsi Molebatsi. In addition, prospective candidates such as Tshepang Mabaila who was sabotaged in 2019 has also been allowed to submit his name as a possible candidate. Mabaila will contest for Parliamentary seat in Mogoditshane East. Mabaila was barred from contesting; and Tumiso Rakgare used the chance and went on to win the elections. This year Rakgare will contest the Mogoditshane West constituency. Some had questioned the eligibility of Dorcas Makgato to contest citing expression of interest deadline having passed; but this has also been quashed.

“It is clear that the BDP is determined to uphold the principles of democracy and fairness in its internal processes. The decision to allow all candidates to compete in the primaries reflects the party’s commitment to transparency and inclusivity. By refusing to suspend potential candidates as proposed by some regions, the BDP is sending a strong message that it values the input and participation of all its members,” observed one Member of Parliament who preferred anonymity.

The primaries are scheduled to take place in April, and it is evident that President Mokgweetsi Masisi, who is also the party leader, does not want to be seen as biased in any way. The only vetting that will take place will involve candidates who may have obvious misdemeanors such as criminal background or pending criminal cases and those that do not meet the criteria to represent the party. The BDP is known for its democratic traditions, and the decision to refrain from vetting or suspending candidates is in line with the party’s ethos of fairness and equality.

The BDP primaries will proceed with the expected central committee vetting but proposed  suspensions of possible candidates by some regions have been rejected. The party leadership has made it clear that all contenders will have an equal opportunity to compete, and any complaints or grievances will not be entertained. “This decision underscores the BDP’s commitment to democracy and transparency, and sets the stage for a competitive and inclusive electoral process.”

 

Continue Reading