A Botswana court has issued a summons for its former president, Ian Khama, who fled the Southern African nation last October claiming his life was in danger after falling out with his successor, Mokgweetsi Masisi.
Khama is slated to appear in court April 21 to face 13 criminal charges, among them a charge for illegal possession of five firearms. However, it is unclear as to whether Botswana’s former leader will report to court, as he contends the charges are trumped up and emanate from his fall out with Masisi.
Khama is accused along with four former officials, including former intelligence chief Isaac Kgosi and suspended police boss Keabetswe Makgophe, who collectively face 38 charges, including possession of arms of war, which carries a maximum of 10 years imprisonment.
Khama has recently been quoted claiming he denies evading justice, claiming he fled Botswana because he has lost confidence in the Southern African nation’s judiciary because “it has been captured.” Khama claims it would be dangerous to turn himself in considering previous attempts to poison him.
Botswana's Intelligence Director, Edward Robert, denies Khama's claims, especially the allegation that Botswana is pursuing a political agenda against him.
“In a constitutional democracy such as the case in the country, institutions of the state are governed by the law on how they operate,” said Robert, adding, “In the event such institutions are deemed to have overstepped their mandate, there is a provision for recourse.”