Notorious DIS agent deployed in Seychelles faces jail
Directorate of Intelligence and Security Services (DIS) agent codename ‘Slim’ who is currently deployed in the Indian Ocean cost of Seychelles, carrying out investigations is a wanted man by his former employer, Directorate of Corruption and Economic Crime (DCEC).
It is alleged that Slim, an ally of the DIS Director General Peter Magosi was recruited by the spy agency in order to circumvent his ongoing investigations at his former employer. Sources close to the development told this publication that Slim is likely to be arrested upon touchdown in Gaborone because his case is very ‘serious’.
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It is alleged that court has granted DCEC a warrant of arrest for Setlhabi upon entering the country from his Seychelles trip. Slim is amongst other seven DIS agents who reportedly travelled to the Indian Ocean coast country of Seychelles to hunt for crucial evidence to support DIS cases before court.
It is alleged that the spy chief Peter Magosi on the 1st May 2020 instructed eight of his agents and sent them on a mysterious mission trip to Seychelles, despite the closure of borders and the eminent strict lockdown measures.
Impeccable sources in the spy agency told WeekendPost that the mysterious trip came about Magosi’s attempts to unearth evidence against the renowned DIS agent Welheminah Maswabi commonly known as “Butterfly”, former DIS chief Colonel Isaac Kgosi and former President Lt Gen Seretse Khama Ian Khama.
Last year, the State dragged to court a case in which Butterfly was charged over allegations of missing billions that involved former President Khama and former spy chief Kgosi. However, even after the Hollywood style detainment of Butterfly, the State failed to prove beyond reasonable doubt how the missing billions were stolen. The State was gravely embarrassed after it was revealed that it had fraudulently produced fake bank documents and affidavits of witnesses.
Key foreign institutions veracity came to question after the state mentioned their names as beneficiaries leaving their names in dishonour. With many disputing that this was an agenda driven by the DIS, it was revealed that Magosi through the Directorate of Corruption and Economic Crime (DCEC) investigating officer worked together to fabricate evidence against Butterfly.
This case was a slap in the face for the Government of Botswana as many were of the view that the case jeopardises the credibility of the DIS. Meanwhile, DCEC has seized all investigation documents involving Butterfly, Kgosi and Khama from the DIS. This publication has learned that the spy chief has been trotting the world in a bid to garner more information relating to Welheminah ‘Butterfly’ Maswabi’s high profile case.
Maswabi is facing three criminal charges of financing terrorism, possession of unexplained property and false declaration for passports. Maswabi is expected to appear before the courts in August this year, as her tussle with the State continues. According to intelligence sources, eight (8) DIS agents who were instructed by Magosi to go on a covert mission to Seychelles in pursuit of gathering evidence linked to the Butterfly case, are stranded.
The intelligence organ is failing to sustain the said agents with basic needs such as accommodation and transportation in order to successfully execute their mission, sources revealed. The said ‘Slim’ is currently amongst the agents who are yearning to return home but that is also a major challenge as their return has not been facilitated.
Impeccable sources told this publication that there are a lot of uncertainty in the organisation as both DIS deputies Modiri Kooagile and Tefo Kgothang questioned the motive to send the agents to Seychelles and reportedly refused to send more money to Seychelles therefore leaving the agents stranded.
Contacted for comment, DCEC Public Relations Officer Lentswe Motshoganetsi confirmed that ‘Slim’ used to work for the organization but he is not aware if he is being investigated. Motshoganetsi also denied allegations that ‘Slim’ will be arrested as soon as he touches down saying his records does not show that.
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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.