Controversial “spy bill” stokes rare public debate on civic surveillance

Pushing back: Journalists led civic society’s resistance to the original legislation PIC: PHATSIMO KAPENG
Pushing back: Journalists led civic society’s resistance to the original legislation PIC: PHATSIMO KAPENG

Government’s bid to introduce a highly contentious “spy bill” and the subsequent watering down of several clauses under pressure from multi-sectoral lobbyists, has brought the debate on civic surveillance into rare public attention.

Minister of Defence, Justice and Security, Kagiso Mmusi introduced the Criminal Procedure and Evidence (Controlled Investigations) Bill, 2022, to a special sitting of Parliament on a certificate of urgency in late January, explaining that fast-tracking the legislation was needed to adhere to the recommendations of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF).

The FATF, the world’s top supranational organisation on anti-money laundering, lifted its adverse listing of Botswana last October, three years after noting the country had significant structural and legislative deficiencies required to plug the flow of dirty money into and out of its economy.

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...

Have a Story? Send Us a tip
arrow up