DIS Tightens Makgato's Security
Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | Monday September 2, 2019 15:44
DIS director general, Peter Magosi confirmed the development about Makgato’s security to The Monitor. However, he was quick to deny that the matter was linked to her verbal exchanges with former president, Ian Khama and his brother, Tshekedi.
“It is not only her that we have enhanced security for. There are other ministers, public servants and permanent secretaries that we have given security. If there is a reason for someone to be fearful about their life and our office is satisfied after doing its investigations, then we do provide such security,” Magosi said yesterday. “Security has also been beefed up for some of our witnesses in corruption cases or those that have information that we need relating to corruption.”
Makgato was in the news headlines recently after she was accused of disrespecting the first president, Sir Seretse Khama. In her remarks at a BDP rally in Chadibe, Makgato said: “ha e le gore rraago, o ne a nwa bojalwa bo bo mmolaya, o seka wa ta ko go rona o bo o re therefore…”
Her critics concluded that the statement was an attack on the late Sir Seretse Khama. Makgato’s remarks infuriated the Khama brothers who subsequently threatened to de-campaign her at Sefhare/Ramokgonami constituency.
On the contrary, Makgato maintained that she did not refer to the late Khama as many had thought. She also threatened to spill the beans in relation to the defilement of a minor by a prominent politician and corruption issues. Makgato also said she would disclose names of people who benefitted illegally from the National Petroleum Fund. Magosi said it is the duty of the DIS to protect those whose lives are in danger.
Magosi further said some witnesses in corruption cases are being threatened by alleged suspects, hence the need to tighten security around them.
“I cannot disclose the kind of threats those people have been receiving. Some have been given security from last year. The timeframe on how long it would last, depends mainly on events and other issues,” he said.
Meanwhile, earlier this year, Permanent Secretary to the President, Carter Morupisi also had his security detail increased amid fears that his life was in danger.