By Saturday, reports of search warrants against two of the most powerful men in yesterday’s Government- former President Ian Khama and former spy chief Isaac Kgosi surfaced and today the latter had his day in court.
This morning Kgosi appeared before Village Magistrate, Lindiwe Makgoro, facing six counts.
But before court could begin, drama ensued on the sidelines of court with Kgosi- for the first time, attempting to field media questions on his recent arrest.
The former Director General of the Directorate on Intelligence and Security (DIS) accused state agents of harassment and refusing him legal representation.
Kgosi told the media that at first the state agents did not present any search warrant.
The once feared man, casually wearing a tracksuit and flip flops, further alleged that upon asking what the state agents wanted from him they told him that they were looking for weapons of war.
” The guns I have are all legal. Two of them are inheritance whilst the others I bought them legally. Ask them what is wrong with that,” he told the media.
Kgosi further accused the state of harassment. “All they are doing is harassment. I have not done anything wrong, I am a Motswana just like anyone. They should stop pushing me.”
By 11am court resumed and his lawyers had finally located him.
In court, Police Prosecutor Omphemetse Mashinqa, asked that the charge sheet be read out to Kgosi and plea be reserved.
According to the charge sheet, Kgosi is accused of undermining the security of the country contrary to the National Security Act.
In count one, the ex-spy boss is accused of being in possession of three armoured vests closely resembling those of the Botswana Police Service without lawful authority while in count two he is accused of being in possession of military uniform closely resembling that of the BDF.
In count three and four, he is accused of being in possession of battle vests and tactical backpack closely resembling those of the DIS and being in possession of forged or irregular official documents purporting to be specimens of and a passport of Botswana without lawful authority.
Further, in count five and six, Kgosi is accused of being in possession of a forged or irregular official document purporting to be a national identity card of Botswana and being in possession of ammunition without license.
Calling for explanation of the charges, Kgosi through his lawyer attempted to explain to the court that just like any other BDF member in his rank, he retired with his uniform.
His attempts where blocked by the Magistrate who reminded Kgosi that he will deal with the evidence at a later stage.
The court was then adjourned to 2pm where the investigating officer was expected to take the stand.
When court was scheduled to return the matter was stood down to 4PM.
After a brief appearance at the chambers, it was announced that Kgosi will return to court tomorrow (Tuesday) in order to give the state and defence time to study the charge sheet.
The state has since roped in senior Lawyer Tshiamo Rantao to assist police Prosecutor Mashinqa.
Meanwhile whilst there was a search warrant granted and executed against Former President Ian Khama, he has not yet been charged and it is still unclear when he too will have his day in court.
The case continues.
@sharonmathala
Sharonm@thevoicebw.com.
So nothing came out of SKI’s appartments?! Truly these charges aren’t enough looking at their punishments in law, the agents should do more detection to get what really is wanted.
JUST FREE THE MAN , BOTSWANA KE BOTSWANA