Former Botswana President Ian Khama, who fled to South Africa five months ago, said he might never return home due to hostilities from the current regime of President Mokgweetsi Masisi in Gaborone, APA learnt on Monday.
Khama said several members of his family had fled the country as they were harassed by the current government and, due to this, he felt safer in South Africa.
The Botswana government has not commented on Khama’s allegations publicly but it had filed a court case against the former president involving possessions of arms – and Khama was expected to present himself in court last week on the arms charges.
Speaking to the press on the court case, Khama said he had not received summons through proper channels, and he only heard about it through social media.
“This whole thing about the weapons – the weapons that I have – are looked after by the intelligence service of the country who provide me (with) protection,” Khama said, adding that all his firearms are licensed.
He described the charges as trumped up and part of the persecution he has suffered at the hands of Gaborone since Masisi succeeded him some years ago.
Still, he said, he sent his lawyers to the court last Thursday to represent him. He denied he was fugitive.
Host President Cyril Ramaphosa also acknowledged Khama’s presence in the country as someone who was here on a visit.
During a meeting between Masisi and Ramaphosa last week the two leaders delayed the scheduled start of a South Africa-Botswana binational commission meeting for an hour to discuss the Khama issue, according to reports.
NM/jn/APA