BDF commandos protect Morupisi, Masire
Staff Writer | Friday February 15, 2019 18:00
Although the two were cagey with details, it is said that since last May, government decided to deploy BDF commandos at the residences of the namesakes as a security measure.
“It is not clear why the two men are provided with security by the BDF special forces branch as the issue is a closely guarded secret,” a source disclosed.
Another source said the security of the two men was beefed up post the swearing in of the fifth President of Botswana, Mokgweetsi Masisi.
“Security issues are closely guarded secrets in government and they are not discussed even with some of the top government officials. We do not know why Masire who is now a civilian is provided with security at the government expense,” the source said.
Masire is an influential member of the ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) Central Committee.
Reached for comment, Morupisi admitted that he is provided with security by the government. However, he did not confirm nor deny that the commandos form part of his security detail. “I cannot divulge that,” Morupisi said.
“I have always had security provided by the government. It changes depending on the level of a threat. I cannot however disclose the level of security at this moment”. For his part Masire laughed off the claim before denying it. He said he is not guarded by the BDF nor anyone else.
The BDF director of protocol and public affairs, Colonel Tebo Dikole also dismissed the allegations. Dikole said in as much as the BDF is not in the habit of discussing matters of operational security as commenting on the same may compromise their operations.
“Notwithstanding that, it is worth noting that the BDF has not deployed any of its members as bodyguards to former BDF commander Lieutenant General ,Tebogo Masire or any of the retired Generals for that matter as you aver. As the BDF, we are not privy to any ‘life threatening danger’, to serving or retired members of the BDF,” Dikole explained in a written response to Mmegi.