Silencing the media is the regime�s plan

The arrest of The Botswana Gazette journalists and a raid on the newspaper offices by the Directorate on Corruption and Economic Crime agents this week is an affront to justice and attack on press freedom.

This draconian act comes after the paper published an investigative story this week linking Zambian national Jerry Chitube to illegal activities with the notorious Directorate on Intelligence and Security (DIS) and the ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP). It boggles the mind that instead of running after the alleged perpetrators of corruption the DCEC has now decided to persecute the journalists for exposing the rot. How sad!  But then we cannot be puzzled by DCEC act of barbarism. It is a state agency after all. For it has become a norm under the current regime to harass and arrest the journalists. Just a few months back, in the run-up to the 2014 general elections, the notorious state agents arrested Sunday Standard editor Outsa Mokone, charging him with Sedition. On the eve of the arrest, the newspaper senior reporter Edgar Tsimane was forced to flee the country and sought asylum in neighbouring South Africa.

The harassment of journalists by the government goes beyond the arrests and physical intimidation. Recently the government imposed an advertising ban allegedly targeting news organisations that are deemed too critical of this hyper sensitive government.

Editor's Comment
Congratulations Anicia Gaothuse!

The contest had 10 beautiful young girls as finalists and unfortunately only one could wear the crown.The judges picked Anicia Gaothuse. To all those who feel their contestant should have won ahead of Anicia for whatever reason, hardly; the judges found Anicia to be the best among the best, so desist from disrespecting our newly crowned queen on social media or anywhere else, for that matter! Each of the 10 beautiful young women had supporters...

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