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
DIS must correct costly stalemate

More than P8.1 million has already been spent, yet there appears to be no lasting solution in sight. This is not simply a dispute between the DIS and a group of officers. It is a matter of public accountability. Every pula spent by government comes from taxpayers who expect public funds to be used wisely and responsibly, especially during economic hardships faced by many.The officers exercised their constitutional right to seek justice through...

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