Don�t blame me - Kgosi
Tefo Pheage | Wednesday May 18, 2016 18:00
Various commentators, particularly in the political sphere, have criticised the lack of oversight of the DIS, saying the situation meant the spy agency could operate as an untouchable and unaccountable organisation, doing as it pleases.
By law, the Parliamentary Committee on Intelligence and the Intelligence and Security Services Tribunal are empowered to provide oversight of the DIS’ operations and mandate. However, the oversight bodies have been marred by troubles with the Tribunal being dealt a blow in 2013, when the High Court forced its chairperson, Isaac Seloko, to relinquish his position after he was struck off the roll by the Law Society of Botswana.
Also in 2013, members of the parliamentary committee, Bagalatia Arone and Moeng Pheto, resigned citing failure by the then chairperson, Kagiso Molatlhegi to convene a meeting to discuss alleged corruption by Kgosi. Opposition members have since refused to be part of the committee, complaining that the executive did not take it seriously. Yesterday, Kgosi said he was not to blame for the lack of oversight. “I do not control them. In fact, I am always ready to honour their call as and when they need me. It is good that they should sit,” he said. PAC members had asked for Kgosi’s views on the fact that the oversight bodies were not sitting or evaluating the DIS, despite its substantial budget, secretive expenditure and activities.
Kgosi said his budget was justified as security equipment and operations are ‘naturally expensive’.
“We buy this equipment mostly from abroad and against stronger currencies,” he said.
On other issues, Kgosi said the delays in vetting work and residence permits had been addressed.
“Our turnaround is a day or two, but it can take longer than that in exceptional cases,” he said.
“Ministries tend to point fingers at the DIS for delays, but this is not the case.” Kgosi further revealed that some people, particularly diplomats, did not comply with Foot and Mouth Disease control measures as they always “try to hide behind diplomatic immunity”. The spy chief also noted an uptick in the numbers of DIS imposters, citing a case in which bogus agents recently demanded P150,000 from a Pandamatenga farmer promising to save him from a case they had about him.
Kgosi also laughed off PAC members’ questions on the infamous P50 million deposit he was said to have made at a local bank. “That is one big lie. I wish we had such a bank that allows for such transactions,” he said.