KHAMA SUES NEWSPAPER

SUNDAY STANDARD AT THE RECEIVING END
By MOSES MARUPING

Two days after the infamous public attack on the private press by two cabinet ministers, President Lieutenant General Seretse Khama Ian Khama has instituted a legal suit against The Sunday Standard newspaper.
He has instructed his lawyers, Collins and Newman to sue for defamation, following the Sunday Standard story alleging the President may have had a hand in the shooting of a robbery suspect by security agents last week Wednesday.
According to information released Wednesday night, President Khama is suing the private broadsheet in his personal capacity. 

Khama is wounded by the Sunday report alleging that the country’s first citizen was somehow involved in the execution of one John Kalafatis. Going under the headline ‘Suspected criminal who robbed president’s sister shot dead’, the newspaper alleged that the late Kalafatis, who is linked to the armed robbery that took place at a farm owned allegedly by the President’s sister, Jacqueline Khama, was gunned down by military intelligence (MI) after an intensive manhunt. 

Furthermore, the paper alleged that between January and February this year, the deceased was linked to armed robberies that took place at Ruretse Farms, near Oodi Village in Kgatleng District. The newspaper report read; “It is understood that shortly before Jacqueline was attacked and robbed, she had a gathering of friends and family. It is further reported that after the incident, she phoned the president to inform him about the incident. It is said that the president took his motorbike and raced to where the incident had taken place. Later and after a meeting with Khama, the security agents launched a serious manhunt.”
But, according to State House private secretary, Tefo Mokaila, the Sunday Standard allegations were unsubstantiated and have deeply wounded the President. 

“Yes, it’s true the president has instructed his lawyers to sue the paper for defamation. Put yourself in his shoes. How would you have felt? He’s suing in his personal capacity.”

Quizzed as to whether the legal action by Khama against the newspaper would not dent the country’s image, Mokaila said the President just like any other citizen of Botswana is prone to being wounded. 

“He’s hurt and simply taking a bold step about the paper’s speculative allegations.”

Press Secretary to the President, Themba Madisa who seemed startled by our enquiries noted that he had no authority to comment on the matter, as it was personal. 

“I can’t comment. I’m told the President has instructed his personal lawyers to deal with this matter. Make enquiries with Collins and Newman,” said Madisa on Wednesday night.
Sunday Standard attorney, Dick Bayford would not be drawn into discussing the matter, saying he was still awaiting instructions from his client. “I’m still awaiting instructions from my client. I don’t want to say anything which will be contrary to what they will instruct me to do.”