Ian Khama Denies Ever Knowing Political Fixer Jerry Chitube

Former Botswana president Ian Khama has denied knowing or meeting Jerry Chitube, a businessman described in reports as an alleged political fixer. Khama’s comments come amid renewed attention to Chitube’s reported connections to the Office of the President and questions about his role in government-related activities. Speaking to The Botswana Gazette, Khama said he had no personal association with Chitube. He also said he could not remember why Chitube was deported in 2015, explaining that several people had been recommended for deportation during his time in office and that he did not recall the circumstances of this particular case. Khama further denied knowing whether Chitube had provided services to the government during his presidency. He said he was unaware of any such work because he had never met or known the businessman. The report says Chitube’s name has resurfaced amid scrutiny of an alleged diplomatic-passport scheme involving intelligence and immigration officials. It also reports that he works under presidential projects adviser Omphile Sehurutshe and was arrested last week in an operation that could have implications for people around him. Khama’s successor, Mokgweetsi Masisi, did not respond to the publication’s questions about his administration’s working relationship with Chitube. Home Affairs Minister Pius Mokgware said officials were consolidating information from several raids and investigations and would brief the public in due course. He declined to comment on Chitube’s case in isolation and asked for patience.