Thomas Kagiso Mmusi (born 25 October 1965)[1] is a Botswana politician and businessman that has served as the Minister of Defence and Security since 2022. Prior to this, he was the Minister of Defence, Justice and Security from 2019 to 2022. He is the son of Peter Mmusi, Vice President of Botswana from 1983 to 1992.
Kagiso Mmusi | |
|---|---|
| Minister of Defence and Security | |
| Assumed office 2022 | |
| President | Mokgweetsi Masisi |
| Preceded by | Office established |
| Minister of Defence, Justice and Security | |
| In office 2019–2022 | |
| President | Mokgweetsi Masisi |
| Preceded by | Shaw Kgathi |
| Succeeded by | Office abolished |
| Member of Parliament for Gabane-Mmankgodi | |
| Assumed office 2019 | |
| Personal details | |
| Born | October 25, 1965 |
| Citizenship | Botswana |
| Political party | Botswana Democratic Party |
| Occupation | Politician |
Career edit
Mmusi attended the Management Development Programme at the University of Cape Town Business School, and he founded the holding company Pula Holdings.[1] He was asked to stand for Parliament following the death of his father in 1994, but he declined to pursue business. In 2008, he served on the Botswana Democratic Party finance committee, and he was chosen as the party's deputy treasurer.[2] In the 2019 general election, Mmusi was elected as MP for Gabane-Mmankgodi with 12,204 votes out of 19,209 votes cast.[3] After his election, Mmusi was chosen as Minister of Defence, Justice and Security in the cabinet of President Mokgweetsi Masisi.[4]
While speaking at a police conference in February 2022, Mmusi encouraged police forces to show less restraint in response to rising crime and to "eliminate" criminals.[5][6][7] The statement was made shortly after a random attack on cabinet minister Edwin Dikoloti. One week after the statement was made, state security controversially killed 10 suspects of a robbery. Mmusi clarified his statement in March 2022, emphasizing vigilance rather than aggression.[5]
In 2022, the Ministry of Justice was created as a new ministry, and Mmusi was designated as the Minister of Defence and Security.[8]
References edit
- ^ a b "Entrepreneur - Kagiso Mmusi". Mindflix Media. Retrieved 22 November 2022.
- ^ "They wanted me to replace my late father – Mmusi". Botswana Gazette. 10 October 2019. Retrieved 22 November 2022.
- ^ Report to the Minister for Presidential Affairs, Governance and Public Administration on the 2019 General Elections (PDF) (Report). 2019. p. 43. Retrieved 22 November 2022.
- ^ "New cabinet sworn in". Mmegi Online. 6 November 2019. Archived from the original on 16 December 2019. Retrieved 22 November 2022.
- ^ a b Bagwasi, Thabo (17 March 2022). "Mmusi backtracks on 'eliminate criminals'". The Patriot On Sunday. Retrieved 22 November 2022.
- ^ "Minister instructs police to eliminate street thugs". Botswana Gazette. 17 February 2022. Retrieved 22 November 2022.
- ^ Bothoko, Pini (15 February 2022). "Eliminate petty crime in every form – Mmusi". Mmegi Online. Retrieved 22 November 2022.
- ^ Peloetletse, Emma A. (2022). "Cabinet Appointments" (Press release). Gaborone, Botswana: Office of the President of Botswana.