By Zweli Martin Dlamini

MBABANE:Mogomotsi Kaboeamodimo,the Chief Executive Officer(CEO) of the SKI Khama Foundation has criticized Botswana President Mokgweetsi Masisi for what he described as dishonesty and being evasive, whenever “he is questioned” about the ongoing political persecution of former President Ian Khama.

This comes after President Masisi told France24 this week that Khama was hiding in eSwatini.

The Botswana President subsequently denied allegations suggesting that,he attempted to kill Khama through poisoning, instead,he accused Khama of being an expert in poisoning.

“Of late he seems to be an expert, you must ask him,he seems to know a lot about poisoning”, said the Botswana President.

But in a press statement sent to this Swaziland News this week, Mogomotsi Kaboeamodimo,the Chief Executive Officer(CEO) of the SKI Khama Foundation accused the Botswana President of being evasive when questioned about issues surrounding the former President’s political persecution.

“It is common knowledge that the President is habitually dishonest and fond of using profanities to disparage and speak falsehoods whenever he is asked about issues involving former President Khama.This is despite facts on record including affirmation of the truth by courts of law in Botswana.It is a matter of public knowledge that General Khama lives in the Republic of South Africa since leaving Botswana in 2021. As we have previously communicated,his departure from Botswana was initially on a private mission, soon after which evidence of attempts on his life surfaced necessitating his continued stay in South Africa up to now. This fact is known even by the United Nations(UN), which is why the UN Special Rapporteur subsequently demanded answers from the government of Botswana who for a long time could not provide answers to the UN”, reads the statement in part.

On another note,King’s Spokesperson Percy Simelane clarified that,Lieutenant General Ian Khama does not reside in eSwatini but, comes as a tourist or King’s Guest during National events. 

“He does not reside in Eswatini either but comes as a tourist,mostly for national events.He is not the only former Head of State who has found time to visit Eswatini or the King.Dr Kenneth David Kaunda of Zambia,Bakili Muluzi of Malawi,Jacob Zuma of South Africa have been here.We would also be ready to tell President Masisi that claim is nothing more than optical illusion”,said the King’s Spokesperson when responding to this Swaziland News.