DCEC revives big guns’ cases
Scores of corruption cases involving prominent figures in government and their associates have been concealed at the Directorate on Corruption and Economic Crime (DCEC) during former President Lt Gen Ian Khama’s administration, WeekendPost investigation can reveal.
The cases were buried under the impression that there was no sufficient evidence to take the alleged perpetrators to book whereas the evidence was concealed by officials in top positions in different segments of the directorate, this publication has established. The cases implicate prominent figures in business, former and current senior government officials. President Mokgweetsi Masisi administration which introduced itself with a slogan of ‘clean-up campaign’ since assuming power 12 months ago has since resuscitated the cases.
Office of the President recently ousted Bruno Paledi, a move which viewed as the watershed moment. Paledi was replaced by Brigadier Joseph Mathambo who had been seconded from the Botswana Defence Force (BDF) initially as the director of Operations DCEC.
Inside information has it that Paledi has been accused of acting as a stumbling block between the office of the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP) and DCEC investigators. He is alleged to have in many instances obscured vital evidence from the prosecutions office resulting in losing cases on grounds of lack of evidence.
“If it happened that somehow a certain file that was supposed to be buried find its way to the DPP office, the former DIS boss, Isaac Kgosi would then find a way of dealing with it from that office until some of the evidence was missing. The case would then be sent back to the DCEC where Paledi would now sit on it instead of conveying the message to the investigation team to help with more evidence,” said a source. Paledi has in the past gave this reporter permission to write everything alleged against him without his comment, saying he just wants to fade into the background and move on with his life.
Isaac Kgosi
This publication can confirm that currently Kgosi has about 20 cases before the DCEC. Some of the cases which might land him in court soon include; Sentlhane farm, Debswana tender and the National Petroleum Fund (NPF). Inside sources at the DPP say Kgosi will in the next mention join his co-accused in the dock as there is now more evidence against him. The link is in the P118m which was sent to Israel in 2017. He authorised a payment of P118m to an Israel company in 2017 claiming the amount was due for a payment of security equipment
For a long time one of the defence counsels in the case, Kgosietsile Ngakaagae has been decrying that Kgosi was the main actor in the case, saying there was no how he could be left out when he was the one calling the shots. Kgosi purchased Sentlhane farm in the sum of P900 000 in 2009, and allegations are that the money was deposited by Vladacom. He is also alleged to have received an amount of P180 000 from Debswana under the pretext that there was the need to heighten security.
Girl friend
This publication can also confirm that there is an on-going investigation against a certain lady who was in a romantic relationship with a certain former director. The girl who is now outside the country, somewhere in Africa will soon be recalled to come and answer for the government house which is mysteriously under her names.
It is alleged after registering the house under her names a few years ago, the girl went to a certain bank asking for a mortgage loan to buy the same house. The bank dismissed her saying they did not understand why they should give her a loan to buy a house which was already under her names.
Samson Moyo Guma
Among a few possible cases to be launched against him, the Tati East legislator Samson Guma is alleged to be currently under investigation for fraud. It is alleged that through his company, United Refineries Botswana, entered into a contract with the government to supply schools with locally produced cooking oil. He had however imported the oil from South Africa through Sefalana Cash and Carry. The government refused the oil on the basis that they had agreed on a locally produced product. “He then made fake stickers and supplied the oil claiming they were locally produced.” When reached for comment, Moyo said, “Sorry I have no comment on all these stories.”
Prince Maele
Lerala/Maunatlala MP, Prince Maele will next week appear for the P50, 000 dustbin scandal. The money was found at Maele’s vacant residence in Block 6 late last year and according to a reliable source, the file is ready for prosecution at the DPP office.
Directorate’s internal investigations
This publication is also alive to an ongoing internal investigation at the DCEC. The Department of Technical Services (DTS) has in the past engaged the DCEC and sought assistance of external investigators to investigate some unfinished projects in the country. DTS gave DCEC P4.9m to pay the company at the end of the investigations for services provided. And it was reported that the directorate had engaged Info track.
The investigations however never materialised, though the payment was made in a week’s time. Allegations are that senior officials at the DCEC divided the money among themselves. Contacted for comment, the new DCEC boss only confirmed that there was an international investigation at DCEC. He however would not comment on other cases.
News
Nigerians, Zimbabweans apply for Chema Chema Fund
Fronting activities, where locals are used as a front for foreign-owned businesses, have been a long-standing issue in Botswana. These activities not only undermine the government’s efforts to promote local businesses but also deprive Batswana of opportunities for economic empowerment, officials say. The Ministry of Trade and Industry has warned of heavy penalties for those involved in fronting activities especially in relation to the latest popular government initiative dubbed Chema Chema.
According to the Ministry, the Industrial Development Act of 2019 clearly outlines the consequences of engaging in fronting activities. The fines of up to P50,000 for first-time offenders and P20,000 plus a two-year jail term for repeat offenders send a strong message that the government is serious about cracking down on this illegal practice. These penalties are meant to deter individuals from participating in fronting activities and to protect the integrity of local industries.
“It is disheartening to hear reports of collaboration between foreigners and locals to exploit government initiatives such as the Chema Chema Fund. This fund, administered by CEDA and LEA, is meant to support informal traders and low-income earners in Botswana. However, when fronting activities come into play, the intended beneficiaries are sidelined, and the funds are misused for personal gain.” It has been discovered that foreign nationals predominantly of Zimbabwean and Nigerian origin use unsuspecting Batswana to attempt to access the Chema Chema Fund. It is understood that they approach these Batswana under the guise of drafting business plans for them or simply coming up with ‘bankable business ideas that qualify for Chema Chema.’
Observers say the Chema Chema Fund has the potential to uplift the lives of many Batswana who are struggling to make ends meet. They argue that it is crucial that these funds are used for their intended purpose and not siphoned off through illegal activities such as fronting. The Ministry says the warning it issued serves as a reminder to all stakeholders involved in the administration of these funds to ensure transparency and accountability in their disbursement.
One local commentator said it is important to highlight the impact of fronting activities on the local economy and the livelihoods of Batswana. He said by using locals as a front for foreign-owned businesses, opportunities for local entrepreneurs are stifled, and the economic empowerment of Batswana is hindered. The Ministry’s warning of heavy penalties is a call to action for all stakeholders to work together to eliminate fronting activities and promote a level playing field for local businesses.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Trade and Industry’s warning of heavy penalties for fronting activities is a necessary step to protect the integrity of local industries and promote economic empowerment for Batswana. “It is imperative that all stakeholders comply with regulations and work towards a transparent and accountable business environment. By upholding the law and cracking down on illegal activities, we can ensure a fair and prosperous future for all Batswana.”
News
Merck Foundation and African First Ladies mark World Health Day 2024
Merck Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany marks “World Health Day” 2024 together with Africa’s First Ladies who are also Ambassadors of MerckFoundation “More Than a Mother” Campaign through their Scholarship and Capacity Building Program. Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation emphasized, “At Merck Foundation, we mark World Health Day every single day of the year over the past 12 years, by building healthcare capacity and transforming patient care across Africa, Asia and beyond.
I am proud to share that Merck Foundation has provided over 1740 scholarships to aspiring young doctors from 52 countries, in 44 critical and underserved medical specialties such as Oncology, Diabetes, Preventative Cardiovascular Medicine, Endocrinology, Sexual and Reproductive Medicine, Acute Medicine, Respiratory Medicine, Embryology & Fertility specialty, Gastroenterology, Dermatology, Psychiatry, Emergency and Resuscitation Medicine, Critical Care, Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Neonatal Medicine, Advanced Surgical Practice, Pain Management, General Surgery, Clinical Microbiology and infectious diseases, Internal Medicine, Trauma & Orthopedics, Neurosurgery, Neurology, Cardiology, Stroke Medicine, Care of the Older Person, Family Medicine, Pediatrics and Child Health, Obesity & Weight Management, Women’s Health, Biotechnology in ART and many more”.
As per the available data, Africa has only 34.6% of the required doctors, nurses, and midwives. It is projected that by 2030, Africa would need additional 6.1 million doctors, nurses, and midwives*. “For Example, before the start of the Merck Foundation programs in 2012; there was not a single Oncologist, Fertility or Reproductive care specialists, Diabetologist, Respiratory or ICU specialist in many countries such as The Gambia, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Central African Republic, Guinea, Burundi, Niger, Chad, Ethiopia, Namibia among others. We are certainly creating historic legacy in Africa, and also beyond. Together with our partners like Africa’s First Ladies, Ministries of Health, Gender, Education and Communication, we are impacting the lives of people in the most disadvantaged communities in Africa and beyond.”, added Senator Dr. Kelej. Merck Foundation works closely with their Ambassadors, the African First Ladies and local partners such as; Ministries of Health, Education, Information & Communication, Gender, Academia, Research Institutions, Media and Art in building healthcare capacity and addressing health, social & economic challenges in developing countries and under-served communities. “I strongly believe that training healthcare providers and building professional healthcare capacity is the right strategy to improve access to equitable and quality at health care in Africa.
Therefore, I am happy to announce the Call for Applications for 2024 Scholarships for young doctors with special focus on female doctors for our online one-year diploma and two year master degree in 44 critical and underserved medical specialties, which includes both Online Diploma programs and On-Site Fellowship and clinical training programs. The applications are invited through the Office of our Ambassadors and long-term partners, The First Ladies of Africa and Ministry of Health of each country.” shared Dr . Kelej. “Our aim is to improve the overall health and wellbeing of people by building healthcare capacity across Africa, Asia and other developing countries. We are strongly committed to transforming patientcare landscape through our scholarships program”, concluded Senator Kelej.
News
Interpol fugitive escapes from Botswana
John Isaak Ndovi, a Tanzanian national embroiled in controversy and pursued under a red notice by the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol), has mysteriously vanished, bypassing a scheduled bail hearing at the Extension 2 Magistrate Court in Gaborone. Previously apprehended by Botswana law enforcement at the Tlokweng border post several months earlier, his escape has ignited serious concerns.
Accused of pilfering assets worth in excess of P1 million, an amount translating to roughly 30,000 Omani Riyals, Ndovi has become a figure of paramount interest, especially to the authorities in the Sultanate of Oman, nestled in the far reaches of Asia.
The unsettling news of his disappearance surfaced following his failure to present himself at the Extension 2 Magistrate Court the preceding week. Speculation abounds that Ndovi may have sought refuge in South Africa in a bid to elude capture, prompting a widespread mobilization of law enforcement agencies to ascertain his current location.
In an official communiqué, Detective Senior Assistant Police Commissioner Selebatso Mokgosi of Interpol Gaborone disclosed Ndovi’s apprehension last September at the Tlokweng border, a capture made possible through the vigilant issuance of the Interpol red notice.
At 36, Ndovi is implicated in a case of alleged home invasion in Oman. Despite the non-existence of an extradition treaty between Botswana and Oman, Nomsa Moatswi, the Director of the Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP), emphasized that the lack of formal extradition agreements does not hinder her office’s ability to entertain extradition requests. She highlighted the adoption of international cooperation norms, advocating for collaboration through the lenses of international comity and reciprocity.
Moatswi disclosed the intensified effort by law enforcement to locate Ndovi following his no-show in court, and pointed to Botswana’s track record of extraditing two international fugitives from France and Zimbabwe in the previous year as evidence of the country’s relentless pursuit of legal integrity.
When probed about the potential implications of Ndovi’s case on Botswana’s forthcoming evaluation by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), Moatswi reserved her speculations. She acknowledged the criticality of steering clear of blacklisting, suggesting that this singular case is unlikely to feature prominently in the FATF’s assessment criteria.