Botswana former President Khama to face trial for 13 criminal charges

Botswana's former President Ian Khama is facing 13 criminal charges, including illegal possession of five firearms, court documents revealed.

GABORONE – Botswana’s former President Ian Khama is facing 13 criminal charges, including illegal possession of five firearms, court documents showed on Wednesday.

Khama, who ruled one of Africa’s most stable democracies for ten years until 2018, was summoned before a court in Gaborone on Thursday. It’s unclear if he will appear as ordered.

The son of the founder of the state has been living in self-imposed exile in neighboring South Africa since November.

Khama, 69, has fallen out with his hand-picked successor, Mokgweetsi Masisi, whom he accuses of authoritarianism.

According to court documents, Khama is charged along with four other people, including a former intelligence chief and a suspended police chief.

The five face a total of 38 charges ranging from stolen property and illegal possession of firearms to registering firearms under false pretences.

Illegal possession of a firearm is punishable by up to 10 years in prison.

Ahead of the 2019 general elections, Khama dramatically resigned from the Botswana Democratic Party, the party founded by his father Seretse Khama and in power since 1966.

  • AFP
RosGwen24 News
RosGwen24 News
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