BDP, Chiepe in cybercrime lawsuit
BDP SECRETARY GENERAL: Mpho Balopi
An Information technology company is threatening to launch two law suits, one aimed at businessman and farmer, Monty Chiepe and another directed at the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) in a matter involving ‘unlawful’ confiscation of property and failure to honour agreements.
According to a demand letter shared with this publication, Noroc wants businessman, Monty Chiepe to explain why he seized several computers and related materials of the said Information Technology (IT) company, Noroc Technologies (Pty) Ltd, under unclear circumstances.
WeekendPost is informed that the businessman collected computers and other property “as evidence” from Noroc business premises at Phakalane on 16 April 2015.
As a result the company has engaged a Gaborone based lawyer, Joram Matomela of JJ Matomela Attorneys who intends to file an urgent application with the High Court to compel Chiepe to restore possession of the said properties to his client.
It is understood that Noroc Technologies (Pty) Ltd had been previously engaged by the ruling BDP to compile and analyse their membership databases. The BDP did not pay for the services rendered by the company and its proprietors sued, but later decided for an out of court settlement which never took off.
Indications are that the company accessed and associated itself with sensitive information pertaining to the BDP as their client – in particular relating to the party database and a certain report concerning the projected performance of the party in the 2014 general elections which was said to be standing at 43%.
It is understood that the BDP agreed to pay the said IT Company P1.2 million (including software worth P8.4 million) for providing the services before the General Elections – but they have not fulfilled the contract months after the elections. WeekendPost learnt that Noroc then instituted a court case against the party for failing to honour the arrangement while the party wanted to settle the matter outside court.
This publication has gathered that Matomela has already written a letter notifying one Monametsi Chiepe, who the court papers indicate that he claimed to be acting on behalf of the DIS, of the intention to sue over the confiscation of company computers and other materials.
“Take notice that your seizure of our client’s property has paralysed its operations and currently the company cannot function. In the premises we are instructed to demand, as we hereby do, that before close of business today (22 April 2015), i.e. by 1700hrs you restore possession of the property you have seized to the client,” Matomela warned.
The attorney also asserted that, “in the event that you had not complied with the above demand, we hold instructions to apply on urgent basis to the High Court to compel you to restore possession of the said property to the client.”
At the time of the seizure of the said property it is understood that Chiepe had no legal authority in the form of a court order that entitled them to client’s property. “We do hereby advice that your actions as afore-stated are unlawful. The unlawfulness thereof arises from the fact that, firstly, you do not have a legal claim to the said property and secondly you had no legal instrument in the form of a court order entitling you to seize the property.”
WeekendPost team then visited Monty Chiepe at his farm on the outskirts of Gaborone. He rubbished the allegations leveled against him by the IT Company saying they are not true and devoid of accuracy.
He indicated that instead the company has violated some cybercrime laws and he will be taking the matter to the courts very soon – as he feels he has “a strong case against the company.”
While he admitted to seizing the computers from the company, Chiepe said the computers belonged to him and some other stuff was owned by the company of course.
The calm and collected Chiepe said he has collected evidence enough to convince the court to arbitrate in the matter.
He said whether the IT Company takes him to court or not, he will still pursue his own case against the company. He asked this publication to follow the matter at court with keen interest as the truth will be revealed and consequently the case may assist other Batswana in the war against cybercrimes.
Matomela’s letter indicates that Noroc directors are accused of ‘cloning’ Chiepe’s company, and the Local Enterprise Authority (LEA) among others. The directors are alleged to have been threatened with jail.
It also states that Chiepe allegedly told the company directors to withdraw the case they had instituted against the BDP as well as withdraw from the police tender number DJS/MTC/POL:083/2014-2015. The tender which is worth P1 million and according to the letters passed to Chiepe, some BDP big shots had interest in the tender.
“The reason why the client is taking these threats serious is because prior to the seizure of the property complained of herein, there had been numerous threats and underhand tactics by various BDP officials to compel clients to retain what they seemed sensitive information on the BDP relating to its database and a report relating to the performance of the party in 2014 General Elections,” said the letter.
Meanwhile BDP Executive Secretary Sechele Sechele confirmed that the IT Company had wanted to do business with the BDP but the deal could not proceed due to their “high expectation of the deal.”
Noroc however claims to have worked with the BDP before – assisting with databases compilation as well as compiling and analyzing a prediction for the party towards 2014 General Elections.
“It’s true we have associated with the company but we could not engage them further as their expectations were too high and instead we opted for some other reasonable company,” said Sechele.
Sechele also confirmed that the Noroc had approached the court to sue the BDP on the matter. It is understood that the said Noroc dumped its lawyer along the way suspecting that he was working in cohorts with the BDP and instead engaged an alternative lawyer.
The Directors of the company are Temo Tau and Fredrick Mathiba. Noroc Technologies is a 100% citizen owned company specializing in software development.
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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.”
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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.
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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.