The long-standing feud between President Mokgweetsi Masisi and his predecessor, former President Ian Khama, has now spilled over into the judiciary, intensifying an already tense political atmosphere. In a new twist, Khama has called for the recusal of Justice Itumeleng Segopolo in a case where Khama is contesting the appointment of Kgosi Serogola Seretse as Bangwato regent, a decision made by Minister of Local Government Kgotla Autlwetse.
Segopolo is part of a three-judge bench consisting of Justice Godfrey Nthomiwa and Justice Bengbame Sechele that was empaneled to preside over Khama’s lawsuit against Autlwetse.
Khama’s application for recusal is based on Segopolo’s close relationship with President Masisi, which spans over five decades. According to Khama, Segopolo’s past voluntary recusals due to this friendship set a “clear precedent,” suggesting that the judge cannot impartially preside over cases involving matters in which Masisi has a vested interest.
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