Botswana denies alleged deporting of Zimbabwe's former VP

GABORONE, Dec. 2 (Xinhua) -- Botswana has dismissed reports that Zimbabwe's former vice President Phelekezela Mphoko was deported from the country.

Mphoko has sort sanctuary in Botswana after Zimbabwe's military took over power from former president Mugabe.

"In the context of media reports, speculation and inquiries, this is to note for the record that the former Vice President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Mr. Phelekezela Mphoko, was not deported or otherwise forced to leave Botswana," said a statement issued by Botswana's government spokesperson Jeff Ramsay on Saturday.

Ramasay said Mphoko entered Botswana on November 22 from a third country.

"He departed for Zimbabwe yesterday (Friday) of his own free will," Ramsay added.

Media reports also indicated that Mphoko has appealed for safe return to Zimbabwe from the country's current President Emmerson Mnangagwa. Enditem