We are however disturbed by reports that Members of Parliament are becoming targets of criminal elements, not on the roads, but in their houses where their security should be guaranteed. We carry in this publication the story of thieves who broke into the house of Local Government Assistant Minister, Botlhogile Tshireletso and got away with valuable items. What is most worrisome is that Tshireletso did not even realise that her house was being ransacked while she was asleep. We can only imagine what was happening. We do not know how many thugs were in the house. What we do know however is that many thugs never come unarmed. They come with dangerous weapons and have nasty intentions. Any entry by thugs into one's house is by itself a violation of privacy. This is not the first time this sort of thing happens at the parliamentary flats. This case is an indication that our legislators are not protected. What a sad day it would be for this nation to wake up and be told that a legislator has been, God forbid, killed or raped or assaulted in his or her house! Furthermore, we need to bear in mind that legislators stay with their families. The danger is therefore extended to their families. It is imperative that whoever has been tasked with ensuring the security of MPs at the Parliamentary Village should wake up and diligently do his or her job. There is no doubt that the security at the Parliamentary Village is wanting and government should take all necessary measures to protect the men and women who sit in our Parliament.
Shame on De Beers
It is disheartening to say the least that De Beers has been bold to say that it makes no apologies about funding former President Ketumile Masire and the Botswana Democratic Party. De Beers have admitted that they gave financial assistance under questionable circumstances to Masire while he was still in office and are also said to have funded a Consultancy Research that was ultimately credited with assisting the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) retain power in the 1999 elections. Asked if by funding Masire De Beers was protecting its interests in the country De Beers chair Lussier says: "The Botswana government has over the years created an environment, which is easy for us to operate in, in terms of the rule of law and democracy and this is why we have been supportive of the government." But this "government" is an individual, Sir Ketumile Masire, and the party he led, the BDP.
