The government has ruled out compensation or a public apology to Welheminah Maswabi over her involvement in the so-called “Butterfly” case, citing a High Court ruling that dismissed her defamation claim against the State.
Responding to a question by Kgosi Ian Khama IV in the Ntlo ya Dikgosi on Thursday, Minister for State President, Defence and Security Moeti Mohwasa said Maswabi’s case had been fully adjudicated by the High Court in Lobatse and dismissed with costs.
Mohwasa said the apology to Motsepe followed a review of allegations contained in a 2019 affidavit and reflected government’s commitment to accountability.
Khama had asked whether Maswabi would be compensated for damages allegedly caused by false statements made about her, whether government would address the impact of her prolonged interdiction on her career, and whether an apology would be issued similar to that given to Ambassador Bridgette Motsepe, who received a public apology and retraction from government.
Mohwasa said the apology to Motsepe followed a review of allegations contained in a 2019 affidavit and reflected government’s commitment to accountability. However, he stressed that Maswabi’s case differed materially, as the court found that statements made about her occurred during official investigations and judicial proceedings and did not constitute defamation in law.
“As a result, there is no basis for compensation, apology or retraction,” Mohwasa said, adding that government is bound to respect court decisions where matters have been fully and fairly determined.
