The Law Society of Botswana has called on Chief Justice Terrence Rannowane to resign. This follows allegations that he allegedly sought to influence the outcome of a case in which former Finance Minister Thapelo Matsheka’s wife filed on his behalf.
At the time, Matsheka was arrested by the Directorate of Intelligence and Security in relation to allegations that he was involved in the murder of Tlotso Karema of Lobatse. Matsheka was released by Justice Gaopalelwe Ketlogetswe.
In a statement, the Law Society said it “has recently received a copy of the complaint that Justice Ketlogetswe submitted to His Excellency the President of Botswana in respect to the alleged attempts by the Chief Justice to influence him, in the application that was filed on behalf of Dr. Matsheka by his wife.”
According to the statement:“We have also had sight of the response of the Chief Justice and Justice Ketlogetswe’s reply. The letters have caused great anxiety to the Council of the Law of Society Botswana.”
The allegations contained in the complaint, if true, the society said represent the worst form of misconduct that any judicial officer can engage in.
“The Council (of the law society) is in the process of urgently getting legal advice on what steps it can take to ensure that the complaint is properly investigated and appropriate action is taken either against the Chief Justice, if the allegations against him are proven to be true, or Justice Ketlogetswe for making false allegations against the Chief Justice, if his allegations against the Chief Justice are proven to be false,” the Society said.
The Council of the Law Society said it is currently considering all options available to it, in an attempt to assist in the restoration of the integrity and the reputation of the judiciary.
“The public will be kept informed of any decisions taken by Council in respect of the above. The degradation of the rule of law, in any society, marks the onset of tyranny. It is the duty of every citizen to stand-up for the protection of judicial integrity,” the Society said.
Notwithstanding that the veracity of the allegations made by Justice Ketlogetswe has not yet been determined, the Council of the Law Society said it is of the humble view that it is in the best interests of the nation that the Chief Justice voluntarily steps down from office.
It said the reputation of the judiciary has been irreparably damaged, and there is urgent need for a new leader to steer the ship in a different direction. “There is need for a new Chief Justice, not in love with appeasing the executive, but one who is addicted to the rule of law and safeguarding the independence of the judiciary and having it insulated from all forms of interference,” the Law Society said.
