Botswana’s ex-president Khama is wanted for criminal charges

An arrest warrant was issued Thursday (29 December) in Botswana for former president Ian Khama who is wanted for the possession of illegal firearms.
Botswana’s former leader is believed to be in South Africa, where he went into a self-imposed exile in November last year. The judge issued orders that Ian Khama, who left office in 2018 after two five-year terms, should be arrested on sight. The arrest warrant follows the ex-president’s failure to appear in court earlier this year. He faced 14 charges including allegations of money laundering and handling stolen property.

The warrant issued only regards the possession of five illegal firearms. Under Botswana law, illegal possession of guns could lead to a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison.

In the past, Ian Khama, the son of Botswana’s first President, told local media that he would welcome an extradition request since it would give him the chance to expose what he called “lies and fabrications” by current president Mokgweetsi Masisi. In April, Khama was summoned to appear before a court to face multiple criminal charges. The former president was accused along with three others including an ex-intelligence chief, a former police commissioner and an ex-deputy permanent secretary. All three faced a total of 38 charges.