I was a victim of DIS - MP

BAME PIET
Staff Writer | Thursday March 11, 2010 00:00

 

Below is what they said;

Gilbert Mangole The Kgatleng West MP Mangole shocked fellow MPs when he revealed that he once fell victim to the Directorate of Intelligence and Security (DIS) agents. While everybody was waiting with anxiety to hear the MPs story, he declined to narrate it only saying that DIS should stay out of politics and focus on national security issues. He stated that the DIS, only two years old, is involved in political activities and has instilled fear on a nation it is supposed to protect. He said that for forty years Batswana enjoyed their political freedom until the recent birth of DIS that has instilled fear in everybody. He urged Minister Ramadeluka Seretse to assure the House and the entire nation that Batswana are safe from DIS agents.

However, he stated that he has no problem with the Botswana Defence Force (BDF) being given a huge share of the budget so that it is better prepared to defend the nation from enemies. He suggested that because of the small force, one BDF soldier should be equivalent to a hundred enemies.

Botsalo Ntuane The Gaborone West South Legislator made similar demands for assurance from the minister that DIS was not created to hurt the nation but to protect it. He revealed his frustration and disappointment at the way Vice President Lieutenant General Mompati Merafhe handled the matter during debates on the State of the Nation Address in November.  'Instead of responding to us that the nation is safe, the Vice President ridiculed us. I am appealing to the Minister to make a statement of assurance that the nation is safe from DIS,' he said. He said that some people, including Cabinet members are not free to speak on their phones because they suspect the DIS has tapped them.

The MP who was suspended from the ruling party this week, said that his constituents in Gaborone West South want to know that they are safe from trigger-happy DIS agents who apparently are in control of the security sector in the country.  He said that government's obsession with security has resulted in these agents trampling on human rights and liberties. He cited incidents where police, in the company of an armed BDF battalion would just invade somebody's house party and commands everybody to go to sleep.  Furthermore, Ntuane said that the government spends a lot of money on security issues despite the many challenges facing the majority of the population of Batswana.  He urged the minister to state what he is going to do with the old Presidential jet.

MP for Kgalagadi South also said that he has a problem with the DIS because they have shifted from their original mandate and are focusing on opposition politicians.  He said the DCEC seems unable to investigate ministers who are involved in corrupt activities and enriching themselves by looting national wealth. He pronounced that prison warders are the most ill-treated force in the land. He also revealed that South African police cross the border into Botswana as and when they wish whilst they deny Botswana police officers access to cross into their country to conduct investigations.

Botlogile TshireletsoMeanwhile, Assistant Local Government Minister Botlogile Tshireletso defended the DIS saying they are here to protect people and it is only through perceptions that the organization is viewed as a monster. She said that the DIS should educate people about its mandate.  Also in defence of DIS were Letlhakeng West MP Kablay and Specially Elected MP Vincent Seretse. The latter said that the economy of every country needs a stable security to prosper.