Dear President Khama

| Friday September 3, 2010 00:00

 

It is with regret that I have to notify you of my resignation as a Minister in your Honourable government.

On the 26th August 2010 the DCEC served me with a charge of corruption contrary to Section 31 of the Corruption and Economic Crime Act in that sometime between May and June 2008 the Botswana Police Service had intended to enter into a transaction with a company that I had interests in. According to the charge I failed to declare to the President that I had interests in the company and further that the company was involved in a tender process with Botswana Police Service. Sir, this in short is the essence of the charge.

The said company is RFT Botswana in which I have always declared my interests since 2004 when I was appointed Minister in former President's Mogae's Cabinet and continued to do so during my service in your Cabinet. I have continued to declare my interests to the President as is currently required. I have never been involved in any decision involving any transaction concerning the Police and the said company or any other company. Furthermore, I was never aware of the said transaction as I was not involved in the day to day management of the company.

I am attaching hereto copies of my declarations to the Office of the President since 2004. The President will note that the company RFT Botswana (Pty) Ltd has always been part of my declaration even for the material period in the Charge Sheet.

I would also like to assure you Sir that never ever in my service to the nation of Botswana and in your government have I done anything that would border on corruption.

I am of a considered opinion that the charge is malicious and without cause and is only intended to bring my name into disrepute.

It is therefore with the greatest regret and reluctance that I submit my resignation from Cabinet. This would allow me to give this matter undivided attention to clear my name and also disabuse the detractors and agents thereof of any illusion that your administration is incompetent and corrupt.

May the good Lord continue to protect you, give you guidance and wisdom as you take this nation to unprecedented heights.I thank you for having given me the opportunity to serve my country at this level.

Dikgakgamatso Ndelu SeretseMinister of Defence, Justice and Security