Saleshando wins residential security case

  • LOO will choose own security paid by govt
  • Govt to reimburse LOO for past security expenses

RORISANG MOGOJWE

The MP for Maun West, Dumelang Saleshando, yesterday won a case in which he was suing President Mokgweetsi Masisi for failing to afford him a security detail at his place of residence that he is entitled to in his capacity as the Leader of Opposition (LOO).
Legally, the LOO is entitled to provision of security at his place of residence by a service provider of his choice.

According to a statement issued today by the Botswana Congress Party (BCP), the matter has been settled amicably after an order issued by Justice Ookeditse Maphakwane of the High Court directed that the Government of Botswana should provide Saleshando with security guards of his preferred security company at his residence during his tenure as the LOO.

According to the statement, the judge recognised that Saleshando was entitled to the provision and payment of security guards at his private residence, a privilege that he enjoyed during his tenure as LOO when he was the MP for Gaborone Central.
The government was also directed to pay all outstanding security bills since 1st November 2019 to-date as well as future invoices.

Prior to the court order, Saleshando paid for his private security detail.
According to the statement, which is signed by the Publicity Secretary of the BCP, Dr Mpho Pheko, President Masisi instructed Parliament in November 2021 not to authorise payment for security details provided to Saleshando.

After several attempts to resolve the matter failed, Saleshando took the matter to court, citing the Attorney General, President Masisi and the Speaker of the National Assembly Phandu Skelemani as respondents.