Mmegi

UDC gov’t should avoid past regime’s pitfalls

Elsewhere in this edition, we carry a story in which government has been ordered to pay local businessman, Bakang Seretse, P50 million. This being interest accrued when his funds and those belonging to his companies were restrained by the State since 2017 on allegations of proceeds of crime.

High Court Judge, Michael Leburu, said it was a fallacy for the State to say the funds being interest from the funds taken from Seretse and his companies, Khulaco (Pty) Ltd, M & B Properties (Pty) Ltd, belonged to the bank not him to play claim to it.

The story presents baffling yet wasteful realities under the previous regime. While litigation by governments is important for upholding the rule of law, ensuring accountability, and fulfilling legal obligations, government should weigh the options and consider the losses associated with its decisions. The government has been criticised for orchestrating unnecessary pressure on the public purse by starting needless litigations that could be easily avoided. Even President Duma Boko has set the tone, issuing a direct order for the State legal teams to desist from litigating against citizens in cases where government is clearly in the wrong. This is because government ends up losing millions in legal suits, money that could be utilised somewhere to benefit citizens.

Editor's Comment
Our digital safety is in our hands

That sounds like good news. But the report also warns that this may simply be because our digital economy is still young, not because we are safe. As more people shop, bank and pay online, criminals will follow.We Batswana do not need a report to tell us that danger is real. Many of us have heard of or fallen victim to KYC scams. A caller impersonates your bank or mobile money provider. They say they need to “verify” your account. They ask...

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