Botswana former defense minister charged with corruption, days after resignation

Botswana former minister charged with corruption

GABORONE, Botswana — Botswana’s government has charged the former defense minister with corruption.

A court in Gaborone charged Ramadeluka Seretse on Wednesday for failing to disclose his position as a shareholder in a company that was awarded a government contract.

Seretse was asked not to plea during his court appearance. A trial date was set for Oct. 6.

Seretse, a cousin of President Seretse Ian Khama, resigned Monday after months of corruption allegations from opposition parties in the southern African nation.

Earlier this year, the opposition Botswana Congress Party and Botswana Alliance Movement demanded an official investigation into defense contracts won by a company owned by Seretse’s wife. Seretse had denied wrongdoing.