Makgato threat to kill case takes "political twist"

The case in which Wadza Tombo is facing a charge of threat to kill has taken a political twist. Tambo opened a can of worms on Tuesday morning, appearing before Broadhurst Magistrate Tshepo Thedi, when he claimed that he was denied a CEDA business loan because he is not affiliated to the ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP). Tombo is accused of threatening to kill Minister of Health and Wellness Dorcas Makgato and uttering insulting threats towards her. The accused, who cut a solemn figure in court danced to a different tune when he insinuated that the case was “politically” motivated.

Tombo, who has previously argued that he vented frustration at Makgato for not being given CEDA funding from the time when she was at the ministry of Trade, said that the rejection was based on the fact that he was from the opposition. Tambo said that he had reported this to the police together with other leaders but no action was taken. He explained that his CEDA loan application was approved but when the names were forwarded to Makgato, who was minister of Trade and Industry at the time, he was rejected. “Having perused my papers, Makgato instead of approving, requested that I be asked to avail my political party identity card. I however responded that I was not from the BDP and my application was subsequently rejected,” he said. In his argument, Tombo claimed that he was destitute and hails from as far as Shakawe. He pleaded with the court to issue an order that he be given a travelling warrant. Thedi however declined this request and said that only state witnesses could be given the warrant. Thedi ordered that the case be transferred to the Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP) for consent to prosecution.

“I will not deal with any other issues related to the case, such as politics. I will only stick to issues before this court, in this case being the case of threat to kill and use of insulting language, the rest is beyond me,” she said. The prosecution, represented by sub-inspector Onkemetse Modukanele, also alleged that the accused had requested to meet with Makgato to discuss the possibility of reconciliation but Makgato refused. Tombo has been charged with threat to kill contrary to section 2.20 and for the use of insulting language, contrary to section 1.80 of the Penal Code. The particulars of the case are that on July 5, 2017, in Gaborone without lawful excuse, Tombo said to Makgato: “I want P5million this year or I will behead you,” or words to that effect. He is also said to have “conducted himself in a provoking manner or in a manner believed to be provoking”. The case continues on 27 March 2018.