OP calls for justice in Sebina
Tefo Pheage | Tuesday May 10, 2016 18:00
At the centre of the saga is Sebina councillor, Kemmonye Amon, who has impregnated a school girl.
The widely circulated social media conversation alleged to be that of Molao and Amon suggests that President Ian Khama declined to intervene on the matter and save the Sebina councillor from the storm.
The damning discussion, which Molao has disowned suggests that Khama, upon being asked to rescue the transgressor, advised that the law should take its course, further warning that his intervention may paint him in bad light in the event of any unfortunate eventuality.
In an interview with Mmegi this week, the Permanent Secretary to the President, Carter Morupisi said they are aware of the infamous Sebina saga.
“Of course we are aware of the Sebina saga. Our view is that the law should be allowed to take its course. The presidency does not preside over everything, everywhere,” Morupisi said. It is not clear who is investigating what and how. The Sebina police station commander says the family has not reported the matter, but did seek advice from him, while Molao says he has reported a hacking incident.
For the Speaker of the National Assembly, Gladys Kokorwe, it is business as usual as no policy or law supports her to summon Molao for clarity or investigation.
“We do not have Ethical Codes of Conduct for Members of Parliament. It is something that we are currently working on and I want it as quickly as yesterday,” Kokorwe replied in a brief interview.
Ethical Codes of Conduct generally outline the minimum ethical standards of behaviour that citizens expect of public representatives, including upholding propriety, integrity and ethical values in their conduct. The purpose of the code is to create trust and confidence in public representatives and to protect the integrity of Parliament.
This is common in developed countries and some African countries. In the South African Code of Ethical Conduct and Disclosure of Members’ Interest for Assembly and Permanent Council Members, any person or body may submit a complaint to the Office of the Registrar concerning a breach of the code.
In the revised code, all MPs must abstain from accepting rewards, gifts or benefits that may result in conflict of financial or business interests for them, their immediate family or business partners – or that would otherwise be considered as corrupt or improper.
The Joint Committee on Ethics and Members’ Interests may consider and investigate alleged breaches to the code – either on its own or on receipt of a complaint by a third party.
Members found in breach of the ethical standards established by the code can be subjected to a reprimand; issued with a fine that does not exceed the value of a month’s salary; face a decrease in remuneration or remittances for a period of not more than 30 days; or temporarily have some advantages and rights revoked.
In the UK Parliament, the committee will consider any report from the commissioner to it and report its conclusions and recommendations to the House. The House may impose a sanction on the member where it considers it necessary.