- Khama confirms his younger brothers live in Eswatini
GAZETTE REPORTER
The return of former president Ian Khama’s brothers, Tshekedi (TK) and Anthony, to Botswana remains uncertain.
While Khama has himself made it clear that he has returned home for good, the same cannot be said for his siblings.
Khama was welcomed by his BaNgwato Royal Uncles and morafe after three years in exile. He left the country in December 2021, claiming that there was a plot by the Directorate of Intelligence and Security Service (DISS) to assassinate him.
“I’m back for good”
A few months later, his family members, including twins Tshekedi and Anthony, also left Botswana under similar circumstances.
Before Tshekedi and Anthony departed Botswana, they were arrested and interrogated in relation to firearms allegedly kept at Khama’s residence.
All three brothers missed the funeral of their sister, Jacqueline, in June 2022.
“Botswana is my home and I’m back for good,” Khama told the crowd that gathered to welcome him in Serowe.
Deep concerns
“As for Tshekedi and Tony, they are now in Eswatini with their families and are well,” he added, without providing any details regarding their possible return.
Shortly after Khama’s welcome ceremony, Tshekedi’s wife, Thea, posted on her Facebook page: “Unfortunately, some of us remain unable to return, as we still harbour deep concerns about the situation.
“We have experienced forceful detainment, with some of us – myself included – subjected to physical coercion, false accusations, exclusion from business activities, and even imprisonment under appalling conditions.
Business in Eswatini
“I was denied access to legal counsel, family, a phone call, drinking water, and basic hygiene. I was held barefoot in freezing conditions, without blankets, in a cell filled with urine and human waste.”
Thea has yet to be charged for any wrongdoing.
The Botswana Gazette is informed that Tshekedi and Anthony are conducting business in Eswatini.
Last month, reports surfaced that Tshekedi was in negotiations with the Eswatini government to become a consultant for the Ministry of Tourism.
Resistance
According to the reports, Tshekedi’s proposal aims to transform Eswatini into a premier tourist destination in Africa.
The Deputy Editor of The Times of Eswatini, Mfunakhona Nkamubule, has confirmed that Tshekedi’s contract is nearing finalisation despite some resistance within the Eswatini government.
Meanwhile, Khama revealed that South African businesswoman Bridgette Motsepe was his primary financial supporter during his time in self-imposed exile.
Zimbali Estate
“She wanted to come for the welcome ceremony but she was informed that she needed a visa to enter Botswana,” he said.
The Botswana Gazette is informed that Khama stayed at the exclusive Zimbali Estate in Durban, which includes Zimbali Lodge and The Capital Zimbali. He said he visited 17 countries on trips not funded by the Botswana government.
Motsepe, the sister of South African billionaire Patrice Motsepe and sister-in-law to President Cyril Ramaphosa, was instrumental in Khama’s security arrangements.
Visa restrictions
He was granted VIP protection by Ramaphosa and enjoyed similar privileges in Eswatini.
Bridgette Motsepe remains on Botswana’s visa restriction list, along with communications specialist Malcolm X.
The Minister of Nationality, Immigration and Gender Affairs, Ngaka Ngaka imposed the restrictions in 2019 following allegations that Motsepe was involved in a plot to overthrow President Mokgweetsi Masisi.