Saleshando prevails against president Masisi
Masisi was taken to court for refusing to accept LOO’s preferred security at his residence
Leader of Opposition, Dumelang Saleshando has won his case against government over provision of security at his residence.
Since November 2021, President Mokgweetsi Masisi instructed Parliament not to authorise payments for security details provided to the Leader of Opposition at his residence. Saleshando, who is also President of Botswana Congress Party ( BCP) and Member of Parliament for Maun West, has argued that in terms of the law, LOO is entitled to provision of security at his place of residence by a service provider of his choice.
According to Saleshando, the procedure is for the leader of the opposition to choose his preferred security company with the approval of the Speaker of the National Assembly. This time, however, the government was opposed to this and instead President Masisi wanted to oversee the engagement of the security company. Saleshando said he disagreed with this because it is unlawful and therefore took legal action against Masisi to compel the President to comply with the official arrangement.
President Masisi insisted that he should identify and appoint security providers at Saleshando’s residence, contrary to the provisions of the law.
This led to the matter being taken to the High Court by Saleshando.
Respondents on the case were the Attorney General, President Mokgweetsi Masisi and Speaker of the National Assembly, Phandu Skelemani.
The matter has been settled amicably and an order of court was issued by Justice Ookeditse Maphakwane.
Justice Maphakwane made an order directing that as Leader of Opposition, Saleshando, who is also Vice President of Umbrella of for Democratic Change ( UDC) is entitled to the provision and payment of security guards at his private residence.
He ordered that the Government of Botswana shall provide Saleshando with security guards at his residence during his tenure by retaining the services of his preferred security company.
According to the judge, the Government of Botswana shall pay all outstanding and future invoices for the provision of private security since 1st November 2019 to date, and beyond.
He further ordered that Government shall settle the legal costs.
BCP Information and Publicity Secretary, Dr. Mpho Pheko said they welcome the settlement and regret that all attempts to resolve the matter through normal administrative channels were frustrated by President Masisi, “who on numerous occasions has pledged to uphold and protect the laws of the republic.”
According to Dr. Pheko: “Had the President upheld his pledge, the matter would not have been brought before the courts at a cost to government.”