Former Francistown Mayor, James Kgalajwe narrowly escaped jail on Tuesday when the three-week warrant of arrest against him was dropped.
Francistown Magistrate Court had ordered Kgalajwe’s arrest on 19 November for failure to pay child maintenance amounting to P1, 500.
It emerged the one-time Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) loyalist had skipped five P300 monthly payments – an order that dates back to 31 December 2011.
He was served with summons on 7 November but failed to avail himself.
During Tuesday’s brief mention – a mention that Kgalajwe did not attend – State Prosecutor Mbatshi Mafa informed court the politician had paid his debt.
“I got the receipt from Kgalajwe’s lawyer that he has paid,” revealed Mafa, news that subsequently led to Magistrate Chandapiwa Molefi withdrawing the matter.
A long-time BDP member, Kgalajwe left the ruling party earlier this year to join the newly formed Botswana Patriotic Front (BPF).
He stood in the recent general elections in Francistown East but finished last out of the constituency’s four candidates, managing just 354 votes, compared to the eventual winner, BDP’s Buti Billy, who received 4, 651 votes.