Saleshando calls for DIS boss Suspension

Oarabile Mosikare | Friday June 27, 2014 17:06

 

In a letter dated June 16, 2014, Saleshando told the President that over the past few months, the local private media has been awash with reports of corruption against Kgosi. 

“Though the allegations are of a serious nature, there has been no communication from your office.  Normally, your office offers prompt response to media reports that they consider misleading or inaccurate,” said Saleshando who is also the leader of Botswana Congress Party (BCP). In a two-liner response on June 23, the Office of the President (OP), told Saleshando he misdirected his concern. The response in part reads, “You are in this regard adviced to direct your concerns to the Director General of Directorate on Corruption and Economic Crime”.

On the same day the government spokesperson Dr Jeff Ramsay issued a statement condemning Saleshando for raising his concerns with the president, saying Khama does not act on allegations.

“The Office of the President considered it appropriate and in the public interest to express its concern at the manner in which some leaders who hold positions of responsibility have dealt with issues of national importance. A recent example is the communication sent to His Excellency the President’s Office by the Leader of the Opposition, filing what he deems an official report. It is quite disappointing that someone in the position of Leader of the Opposition (LOO) could use unsubstantiated allegations in the media as a basis for filing a formal report to HE’s Office, without ascertaining the accuracy of such reports,” said Ramsay.

In the letter to Khama, Saleshando had, in the main, noted that media reports indicate that the DIS boss has abused the office he holds.  “Public funds have allegedly been diverted from government coffers to the Serowe North Development Trust, which you are associated with.”   He also said there are also reports that Kgosi has used his position to acquire shares in a company that was a subject of investigation by the DIS and that he operates a private company whose registration documents contain false details. He noted that the President himself confirmed at a Tlokweng Kgotla meeting that there was tension between the DIS and the Directorate on Economic Crime and Corruption (DCEC).  He said though no details were provided, he assumed the tension possibly relates to the investigations reportedly undertaken by the DCEC on Kgosi. He appealed to Khama to act on the allegations against Kgosi. 

“There is need to allow for a credible investigation into the allegations.  Given the seriousness of the allegations I consider it necessary for you to suspend the Director General of the DIS so that the DCEC may conduct its investigations free from any interference by the DIS leadership.” Saleshando added that it was important for the OP to be seen to be protecting public institutions against abuse by those entrusted with the responsibility to manage them.  “I trust that you will take the necessary steps to address this issue.”  Ramsay dismisses Saleshando’s concerns, saying if indeed the LoO was genuine, he would have addressed the appropriate authorities, in this case the DCEC, rather than elevating them to President’s office, while simultaneously sharing them with the media.

“This does not reflect good faith, or an intention to engage meaningfully and resolve these issues,” said Ramsay.

“This Office wishes to emphasise that the rule of law and due process are the pinnacles of our Constitutional Democracy. In this regard, we wish to reiterate that there are proper channels for reporting corruption, and anyone who has information to that effect should follow established channels and report to the DCEC,” the OP spokesperson added.