As the rest of the public should, we take these claims and allegations against the DISS very seriously. This is not just because they point to cynicism and sadism in the manner in which the DISS does its work, but also because they indicate a disregard for the framework on which this country is founded and based, the Constitution. It is that much more serious because the allegations were made by officers of the security forces, police officers and members of the Botswana Defence Force. That the investigations have been completed gives consolation to those who want to see this matter through. However, the more important question is, what will happen to the report? In the story, the police official indicated that the report has been submitted to the 'relevant authorities'. He would not answer questions as to who those 'relevant authorities' are. Well, ultimately the 'relevant authorities' will have to come through and inform the nation about what really happened. We have a good idea of what should happen in accordance with the rules established in the DISS Act, and also according to common sense. Firstly, the Parliamentary Oversight Committee on Intelligence and Security should request that report if it has not requested it already. One would have expected the matter to be referred to the so-called tribunal.We believe that it is acceptable that the Police investigated the matter independently. We don't believe the tribunal has the moral or ethical make-up to handle such an issue, consisting as it does of proven Botswana Democratic Party functionaries. However, we also do not believe the police are best equipped to investigate these matters. In a system that works, an independent competent body with the right legal and manpower capacity would have investigated the case. Now that the report is here, the oversight committee should jump on the ball. It should not wait to be invited to the party. It should, in fact, demand the report. We are saying this because this committee should have stood up as early as when the complainants reported their story to the media. Of course we have never expected our parliamentarians to be proactive in these matters. However, if there is ever a chance that the committee could win back lost public faith, this is it.
