- State drops all criminal charges against former president Ian Khama
LETLHOGILE MPUANG
The state has officially withdrawn all 14 criminal charges against former president Ian Khama, effectively closing the cases.
Gaborone Regional Magistrate Mareledi Dipate issued the discharge order last Friday, clearing charges ranging from unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition to receiving stolen property.
Khama was charged alongside former Directorate of Intelligence and Security (DIS), the late Isaac Kgosi; former Commissioner of Police Keabetswe Makgophe; and former Deputy Permanent Secretary Bruno Paledi.
Charges against Makgophe and Paledi were previously dropped while allegations suggested Kgosi’s charges were also to be withdrawn before his death.
“Case Over, No Threats Left”
Speaking to international media this week, Khama expressed relief over the outcome. “I am glad the charges against me have been dropped because the case was flawed,” he said. “The case is now over, and there is no one else who will come after me after this.”
Brought in 2021, the charges led Khama into nearly three years in exile in South Africa and Eswatini during which 13 family members joined him.
He accused former president Mokgweetsi Masisi’s government of plotting to assassinate him and harassing his family.
Whither Tshekedi?
The withdrawal of charges has fuelled speculation about the possible return of Khama’s younger brother, Tshekedi, to Botswana. He fled the country citing threats and alleged harassment by the DIS, which led to his parliamentary seat in Serowe West being declared vacant on 21 April 2023.
A subsequent by-election saw Botswana Patriotic Front (BPF) candidate, Onalepelo Kedikilwe, win the seat.