Former Botswana President Ian Khama Faces Gun Charges in Dramatic Court Appearance

Botswana's ex-president Ian Khama returned from exile to face charges of illegal gun ownership and receiving stolen property. The court has suspended arrest warrants against him, and he is scheduled to reappear on Sept. 23. Khama, who denies the allegations, remains a staunch opponent of his successor, President Mokgweetsi Masisi.

Ian Khama, the former president of Botswana, appeared in court on Friday, facing charges of illegal gun ownership and receiving stolen property. This comes after his return from three years in exile, just ahead of an election where his arch-rival, President Mokgweetsi Masisi, is seeking re-election.

The magistrate suspended two arrest warrants against Khama for failing to appear in court in April 2022. The ex-president, who has been mostly in neighboring South Africa since late 2021, has denied the charges, which include unlawful possession of a firearm and receiving stolen property.

Khama, who backs the opposition Botswana Patriotic Front, quit the ruling Botswana Democratic Party in 2019. He will next appear in court on Sept. 23, with the case closely watched as the nation heads into a pivotal election on Oct. 30.

(With inputs from agencies.)