Africa-Press – Botswana. There is a twist in the procurement of VIP protection assets as a new revelation has been made that three helicopters were also purchased by government.
A different question by a parliamentarian (Thursday) led to Minister of State President, Moeti Mohwasa, disclosing that two of the choppers will arrive in the country early next year. The Minister, who also serves as Leader of the House (LoH), was responding to a question from Leader of Opposition (LoO) Dumelang Saleshando who had sought clarity on the recently rolled out presidential fleet.
The MP for Maun North had wanted to know amongst others when the fleet was purchased and for how much, the delivery date and when they were registered.
In his response, Mohwasa made a startling revelation that it is not only the presidential fleet of armoured vehicles that was procured for the President’s security.
He told Parliament that helicopters were also purchased acting on advice from the Directorate of Intelligence and Security (DIS). The DIS is responsible for protection of VIPs including the President.
“There was an acquisition of a Leonardo AW109SP Grand New Helicopter for VVIP transportation and two AW189 helicopters purchased by Botswana Defence Force (BDF),” Mohwasa said.
However, he distanced the current administration from the procurement of the State security assets. Instead, he maintained that all these acquisitions were made by the previous administration. He told the House that the purchase for the Leonardo helicopter was approved by the Permanent Secretary for State President in September 2024.
The Minister appraised Parliament that the helicopter had already arrived in Botswana early this year after it was paid in full for over P70 million.
“A once off payment of P71.6 million was made in October 2024, and the aircraft was delivered in March 2025, fully complying with contractual and administrative requirements,” he added.
The remaining two aircraft were bought for over just P500 million and are set to arrive in 2026.
“There was also a purchase of two AW189 super medium lift helicopters powered by twin engines, designed for long range missions with a carrying capacity of eight to 14 passengers depending on configuration,” Mohwasa said.
He added, “The investment of one billion pula had been planned with a contract signed in December 2023 was made by BDF and the first payment of P312 881 867.06 already made. Second payment of P213 357 457.22 was also effected in April 2025. The aircrafts are due to be delivered in January and February 2026,” he said.
Regarding the GMC armoured vehicles, Mohwasa stated that 16 of them were bought and these were; six Toyota land cruiser extended length SUV’s, six GMC vehicles and four ambulances which were purchased for over P70 million.
“Following vetting by the Attorney General, the contract was formally entered into on June 27 2024 valued at US$5 213 684.54,” he revealed.
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