Firearms case: Let the courts decide!

Mmegi Editor | Monday April 25, 2022 06:00

Now, following the numerous search and seizures at the former’s various plots, the State has finally summoned him for criminal charges. The charges are as a result of an amended charge sheet of former DIS head, Isaac Kgosi, who was late last year slapped with six charges on his own.

Following the amendment, Khama, suspended Police Commissioner Keabetswe Makgophe and deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Sport and Culture Development, Victor Paledi (formerly deputy commissioner of police) joined Kgosi whose charges also went from six to a staggering 33 counts.

Finally, after years of so-called harassment by the DIS meted on the former president, Khama and his allies, a court date has been set. We congratulate the Directorate of Public Prosecutions and all other involved parties for instituting the proceedings. But through this, it does not mean that we take any side. Rather, It is just good to have the matter finally put to test by the courts. And that is what was supposed to have happened in the first place.

In another development, a minister’s car has been destroyed and a lot has been said about the soured relations between Khama and President Mokgweetsi Masisi being the root of all the allegations against the former president.

It is now time that the matter is brought to finality and we call on all government officials to do their best and give the case their all. Most importantly, it should be tried fairly and openly for citizens to follow, as it is a matter of national interest.

The P100 billion case that never was has dented the image of security organs in the country and this should not be part two of the same. It is now time to do things right and get to the bottom of the matter.

We also hope the former president will make it to court after missing the first mention. Khama should assemble his best legal team and come back to Botswana to clear his name. He has always maintained that all the happenings were simply a ploy to jail him and his brothers. The courts have ruled in his favour in the past and we hope that will encourage him to come forward and put the matter to finality.

Today's thought

'Throughout history, it has been the inaction of those who could have acted; the indifference of those who should have known better; the silence of the voice of justice when it mattered most; that has made it possible for evil to triumph.'

- Haile Selassie