Suspended spies enjoy full benefits

Answering a question in Parliament this week, the Gaborone South legislator added that currently the DIS has a limited number of officers on interdiction and paid leave. Citing risk inherent in the intelligence community and the job environment, Mthimkhulu refused to disclose the number and ranks of officers currently on interdiction. He said revealing the numbers has the potential to compromise the service and its personnel.

Mthimkhulu also said he cannot disclose how long some agents have been enjoying benefits while sitting at home. Some agents are said to be on lengthy suspension with full benefits, without the conclusion of a disciplinary process. “However those on interdiction are not allowed access and use of service weapons and government vehicles,” he clarified. While there were worries of vacuum in key positions at the spy agency, Mthimkhulu also confirmed that none of the interdicted officers has been replaced.