Ian Khama, the former president of Botswana, returned from three years of exile in time for an election in which his fierce adversary is running for a second term. He appeared in court on Friday to answer to allegations of receiving stolen property and unlawfully possessing a rifle.

Due to his failure to appear to answer to the allegations in April 2022, the magistrate on Friday suspended two arrest orders against him. Since late 2021, Khama has been living in exile, primarily in South Africa’s neighbour.

The accusations include receiving stolen property, having a firearm in unlawful possession, and getting a firearm registered under false pretences. They are politically motivated, according to the former president, who has rejected them.

Khama, whose father, Seretse Khama, was the country’s first president, left the ruling Botswana Democratic Party in 2019 due to a disagreement with President Mokgweetsi Masisi, his successor.

Khama has stated that he would go back to Botswana to assist in unseating the current government in a national election scheduled for October 30. Khama supports the opposition Botswana Patriotic Front.

His next court date is September 23, according to magistrate Mareledi Dipate.