Gaborone Regional Magistrate’s court this morning postponed the weapons of war case against former spy chief Isaac Kgosi, Botswana Police Commissioner Keabetswe Makgophe, former President Ian Khama, former Deputy Permanent Secretary Bruno Paledi and Sehunelo Khunou.
Makgophe was arrested last March in connection with licenses of weapons of war allegedly given to former president Ian Khama and was cited by the state in its case against Kgosi, along with Khama, Paledi and Khunou as co-accused.
The accused persons are facing charges relating to, among others, failure to register firearms, registering firearms by false pretence and aiding or abetting unlawful possession of a firearm.
Kgosi was arrested on October 24, 2021 for allegedly contravening the country’s National Security Act.
He was allegedly found in possession of ammunition, police bullet proof vests and forged passports without authority, when the DIS raided his residence.
According to the charge sheet, the first accused person- Kgosi, is facing a number of counts including failure to register a firearm, unlawful possession of a silencer, procuring the registration of a firearm by false pretences, unlawful possession of a firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition, aiding and abetting unlawful possession of a fire arm, unlawful possession of a passport belonging to another, possession of armory vests resembling those of the Botswana Police and possession of battle bags and two tactical backpacks resembling those of the DIS. without lawful authority.
The second accused person, Khama is facing counts of unlawful possession of a special firearm, ownership of an unregistered firearm, receiving stolen property and possession of battle vests and tactical backpacks closely resembling those of the DIS without lawful authority.
Makgophe and Paledi are charged with three and two counts of aiding and abetting unlawful possession of firearm respectively.
The fifth accused person, Khunou is charged with a single count of stealing by a person employed in the public service.
Particulars of the offence are that on or about March 1, 2016, Khunou at Cargo unit at SSKIA stole one Jericho rifle and its accessories valued at USD1 017 (P12960.18) which came into his possession by virtue of his employment.
Khama has been in South Africa for more than a year now.
His twin brothers Tshekedi and Anthony have also been out of the country after they were granted bail following their arrest over allegations of missing state firearms.
The court will set the new dates for mention.
Heish go thata akere…..