Former President, Kgosi Ian Khama IV has reignited the debate around the controversial Butterfly case, accusing the State of misconduct and demanding accountability for what he describes as a fabricated prosecution effort that damaged individual reputations and the country’s international standing.
Speaking during a session of Ntlo ya Dikgosi, Khama posed a question to the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services, Nelson Ramaotwana, seeking clarity on what steps the Ministry is taking to hold political leaders and public officers accountable for what he termed an “unlawful act.”
Khama asked whether the Minister was aware that the State had “blatantly and illogically fabricated an affidavit in order to falsely prosecute innocent people,” leading not only to reputational damage for the individuals involved but also to strained relations with foreign financial institutions and governments.
In response, Minister Ramaotwana acknowledged receipt of a report on the matter from the Directorate on Corruption and Economic Crime (DCEC), confirming that investigations had been conducted. However, he stated that the Ministry would not take direct action but rather allow the legal process to unfold.
“The Ministry intends to allow the law to take its own course in terms of the findings that are in the report,” Ramaotwana said. “It is intended that the report be passed on to the Botswana Police Service who shall, within their mandate, take action accordingly.”
On the issue of reputational damage, the Minister said that any claims brought forward by affected individuals would be addressed “in accordance with the law.”
