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Govt loses 2 million pula to a police fraudster

Botswana Police Service (BPS) Commissioner Makgope and Public Relations officer Assistant Commissioner, Christopher Mbulawa

As the story of corruption unfolds, a police officer has swindled government close to 2 million pula while seconded to the Accountant General department in the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning.   

The arm and a leg amount in the tune of P1 912 582.62 to be specific, is deemed to be the value of the benefits that were reimbursed by David Loftus William from serious crime related activities “of stealing by a person employed in the public service.”

It is understood that on several occasions between 2000 and 2002, the then police officer had cashed money meant for salaries of government employees and diverted the moneys to his associates, including his wife.  

“William transferred the said amount as salary in to different accounts maintained at Standard Charted Mall Branch and Barclays Bank respectively,” a statement from DCEC confirmed.

The corruption busting agency was roped-in to detect the police officer’s alleged misdemeanor and consequently “the accused person was charged with 64 counts of stealing by a person employed in the public service contrary to Section 271 as read with Section 277 of the penal code Cap 08:01 Laws of Botswana.”

The former police officer was arraigned before the Gaborone Principal Magistrate Munashe Ndlovu who ordered him to pay back the defrauded P1 912 582.62 to government coffers.

“The huge money could have gone somewhere. This kind of corruption derails development. The funds could have been used for a good governmental project. This therefore derails the government developmental agenda,” DCEC Public Relations Officer, Nyaladzi Gambule pointed out to Weekend Post while confirming the matter.

The soft-spoken Gambule cited that such issues are worrying, especially when committed by public officers and in particular police officers who are entrusted to safeguard the law itself. “You will assume that someone working in the police service, by the virtue of his/her office will have moral consciousness and observe ethics than an ordinary person.”

According to the DCEC spokesperson, there is a societal expectation regarding how public officers and by extension police officers should behave. “If one police officer can be corrupt it means that there is a probability that many others may be doing the same thing and that hurts government.”

Subsequent to investigations by the corruption busting agency, the verdict implied: “the accused person William between the 20th March 2000 and 22 August 2002 in Gaborone, whilst employed by Botswana Government as a Police Office and seconded at the Accountant General Department in the Ministry of Finance stole the sum of P1 912 582.62 (One Million Nine Hundred and Twelve Thousand Five Hundred and Eighty Two Pula Sixty Two Thebe.”

This publication has gathered that the accused has since been suspended has been on bail.  It is understood that some of his automobiles such as buses have been confiscated by DCEC pending finalization of the criminal matter which still stands with regard to the case. The accused is facing a civil and criminal suit. The civil suit has been dealt with and he has been ordered by court to pay back the money while the criminal one is pending.

Meanwhile the Botswana Police Service (BPS) Public Relations officer Assistant Commissioner, Christopher Mbulawa was playing his cards close to his chest when asked to confirm if he is aware of such incident. “I will not want to be drawn into discussing it,” he said referring this publication to the DCEC.

However, he said the organization has internal affairs branch which investigates any possible misbehaving by a police officer. “We launched anti-corruption policy and toll free number and this shows we don’t tolerate corruption by our officers.”

The calm and collected spokesperson pointed out to Weekend Post that as a police service, they have demonstrated a policy on zero tolerance to acts of corruption. Mbulawa said “that’s why even at our offices we have posters, monthly magazines to educate staff on corruption.”

According to the Assistant Commissioner, corruption in the police service can damage the image of not only their organization but the nation.

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BOMU, DBS roadshow partners in crime

18th March 2024

The Department of Broadcasting Services (DBS) roadshow has found and trusted the Botswana Musicians Union (BOMU) as a companion it could trust in empowering and facilitating the creative sector, in particular, performing artists and musicians.

BOMU exits to ensure that musicians in Botswana are supported by all platforms and services that are aligned to what they do, which at most times is the production of music.

In 2023, the Union put together grand music awards prized at a whooping P3 million. Indeed, the man working behind the awards, Seabelo Modibe of Total Music Group understood the assignment. For the very first time, BOMU awards left an impressive mark, leaving people murmuring.

With that said and done, BOMU became a very important stakeholder in the on-going DBS roadshow. The relationship started in 2022 when the project was initiated. In this massive project, BOMU plays a role of mobilizing and registering new artists.

In the previous years, the Union has been clouded by dispute and back-and-forth. It was accused of being bungling, purposeless and served no interests of its members (artists). Following the effective execution of the eleventh music awards, artists progressively joined BOMU and the DBS roadshow added cherry on top.

Some of the artists who made it to the Top 30 of the DBS roadshows much-admired the platform, saying it played a major part in changing their lives. Some of them started getting booked, changed their mindsets and consider music as a business entity.

These are some of the few nuggets of wisdom they raked from the man behind the roadshow, Thato Sikwane. He is known as DJ Fresh in the music sector and his company, Big Dawg Productions is the brainchild behind the DBS roadshow.

Matter of fact, DJ Fresh and Modibe worked on this concept together with an aim of unearthing new talent in as much as music is concerned. In order to achieve this goal, the duo had to engage BOMU to allow for the artists to have a body that governs them.

When speaking in an interview with WeekendLife, BOMU Secretary General Rasina Rasina said the roadshow is actually a blessing in disguise, as it was initially considered a tall show.

“This is a much-needed platform for a sector that has been deteriorating over the years. We believe it is here to resurrect the music industry. The DBS roadshow cultivate talent from scratch and nurtures it. This will help us as a Union to have a solid foundation and as BOMU, as we are highly appreciative.”

Rasina said BOMU is very much aware of Season One challenges, adding that they too experienced them. “As BOMU, we therefore appreciate that it was the beginning. Naturally, beginnings have challenges but we are optimistic that everything will be in order as together as a team, we can work to solve all pressing matters that delay the progress of artists in Botswana.”

Successful artists during the DBS roadshow will reap from what they sow. BOMU has been allocated a budget to help artists access the roadshow. Rasina has however refused to divulge the total amount but specified that they ensure artist participation and mobilization, as well as feeding.

“We have learnt from past challenges. We do not pay artists but we assist them with transportation funds to mobilize them to attend the roadshow and showcase. What we offer them is not payment. We ensure their participation, transport mobilization and feeding. They compete, showcase and get the platform they need. We partner with them to deliver a product. Essentially, there is a car, a record deal, airtime deal and cohesion.”

Thus far and during the Season 2 roadshow, BOMU has registered an average of five hundred (500) members. In the process, it has managed to rebuild an average of ten BOMU District chapters nationwide.

Rasina commended the government for coming up with a project that caters for the welfare of artists and creative minds in Botswana.

“Our expectations from the next season is that it will be bigger and better. We appreciate the contribution of DBS and the recent focus towards the creative industry by government. Importantly, it is important to note that the creative industry should never be treated from a blanket approach view. Every region, district, village or town has its own talent. The heritage of Botswana is defined by the creative industry talent.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Report links child poverty to disability

12th March 2024

Child poverty is a pressing issue that affects millions of children around the world, and the link between child poverty and disability is a particularly concerning aspect of this problem. The recent research paper published by the Botswana Institute for Development Policy Analysis (BIDPA) sheds light on the stark reality that children with disabilities are more likely to be living in poverty compared to their non-disabled peers.

The findings of the research paper reveal that children with disabilities face higher levels of deprivation in basic capabilities such as education and health. This means that they are often excluded from essential services and opportunities that are necessary for their well-being and development. The wider gap in education outcomes between children with disabilities and their non-disabled peers highlights the systemic barriers that prevent children with disabilities from accessing quality education.

Moreover, the higher rates of deprivation in health and food security among children with disabilities further exacerbate their vulnerability to illness and malnutrition. This not only impacts their physical well-being but also hinders their overall development and potential. The research paper also highlights the economic disparities faced by children with disabilities, indicating that they are more likely to experience poverty across demographic and economic variables.

The implications of these findings are profound and call for urgent action to address the inequalities faced by children with disabilities. Affirmative action is needed to ensure that policies and interventions are specifically targeted towards addressing the unique needs of children with disabilities. It is crucial to prioritize the inclusion and empowerment of children with disabilities in all aspects of society to ensure that they have equal opportunities to thrive and succeed.

In conclusion, the link between child poverty and disability is a critical issue that requires immediate attention and action. It is essential for policymakers, stakeholders, and communities to come together to create a more inclusive and equitable society where all children, regardless of their abilities, have the opportunity to reach their full potential. By addressing the root causes of poverty and discrimination faced by children with disabilities, we can work towards building a more just and compassionate world for all.

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Botswana’s internet rated the second fastest in Africa

8th March 2024

Botswana continues to make significant strides in its digital trasnformation aspirations, as it secures its position among the top-ranking African countries for mobile internet speed. Based on statistics from the Speedtest Global Index, Botswana has been rated the second fastest mobile internet speed in the continent, with an impressive 43.79Mbps, according to a recent study by Business Insider Africa.

This accomplishment demonstrates Botswana’s dedication to improving the quality of broadband internet in the country; and re-affirms its position as a leader in Africa’s telecommunications and ICT services. “The acknowledgment of Botswana’s internet as the 2nd fastest in Africa reflects our commitment to cultivating a digitally inclusive society,” remarked Mr. Keabetswe Segole, Acting CEO of Botswana Fibre Networks (BoFiNet). “This achievement highlights our ongoing endeavors to enable all citizens to participate in the digital economy.” BoFiNet, the leading provider of telecommunications infrastructure in Botswana, has been instrumental in shaping the nation’s digital landscape.

Reflecting on BoFiNet’s contribution to Botswana’s digital connectivity, the Acting CEO stated:”BoFiNet takes pride in its role in securing Botswana’s position as the 2nd fastest country in Africa for mobile internet. Our robust fibre optic and microwave network has been pivotal in delivering high-speed connectivity to both urban and rural areas, ensuring access to reliable internet services for all citizens. We remain committed to fostering innovation and digital inclusion, thereby paving the way for a prosperous digital future in Botswana.” Through the recently launched SmartBots Village Connectivity project, 1,138 premises across 144 villages in different Botswana districts are able to connect to this fast internet.

Botswana’s population is utilising connectivity creatively as a result of a boom in mobile penetration, which is advancing the nation’s digitalisation. Rapid advancements in mobile high-speed internet are causing a digital revolution in Africa, bringing about changes in areas including the economy, education, healthcare, and empowerment.

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