Will the State finally charge Isaac Kgosi?
The controversial Welheminah Maswabi code named “Butterfly” case will be a year old in October ever since the Directorate of Intelligence and Security (DIS) agent’s Hollywood-eques arrest. Appearing for a status hearing before Magistrate Goodwill Makofi this week, the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP) mentioned that they intend to add more accused persons to the charge sheet and further add more counts.
DPP prosecutor Priscilla Israel however said that despite the development to charge more accused persons they still have evidence they have to attend to from government sectors. “We acknowledge we were given seven months to wind up the investigations. Covid-19 has however hindered our efforts especially the national extreme lockdown,” she said.
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Israel told the court that the Directorate on Corruption and Economic Crime (DCEC) was not enlisted as an essential service during the lockdown. She further informed the court that they have already gathered evidence from several countries including New Jersey, Indonesia, Hong-Kong, United States of America, United Kingdom and South Africa.
The evidence will point out how money was transacted and laundered by the accused in several countries. However, Israel mentioned that they are yet to acquire some information in South Africa which is taking longer than expected. “The DPP has written a letter to seek legal assistance from the Department of Public Prosecution (DPP)”.
Israel told the court that they have appointed Advocate Gerrie Nel to help them in the matter. Israel lamented to court that the evidence they intend to gather in South Africa will take longer as it is difficult to get the information. Nel in a press conference held on Thursday, accused South Africa government of being uncooperative. He said that they were briefed to make sure the request to seek mutual legal understanding with SA gets the response it deserves.
However it has been 11 months since the request was made by the State. “We will not and have not pronounced the guilt or innocence of anyone in the matter. Many prominent names are named in the matter, our role is for the department to make sure it does their job,” Nel said. This being the case, DPP then requested for a further postponement of the case by three to four months. They requested the court that they be given more time to conclude their investigations.
Close sources have informed this publication that amongst the accused persons who will be added to the charge sheet is former DIS Director, Isaac Kgosi. They however could not attest as to whether or not the State will finally charge former President Ian Khama and South African businesswoman Bridgette Motsepe.
Through her attorney Uyapo Ndadi of Ndadi Law Firm, Maswabi submitted that when the case was first registered in October 2019, over 10 months ago, the State said they should be given time to gather evidence. Maswabi was in custody for 14 days at the time.
“They requested time to carry out investigations not to amend the charge sheet, we are learning about this development for the first time here today in court. The DPP asked for time, a generous seven months which is quite unusual. Why are they in court if they did not have any evidence against my client? ” Ndadi questioned.
Ndadi told the court that the State has had the opportunity to do whatever they want to do before coming to court. “We cannot be coming to court to be told investigations are still ongoing. If the State is seeking time they can have it, but they should not be dragging my client from pillar to post.”
He stressed that his client has suffered enough prejudice, “my client is being accused of financing terrorism, the public out there sees her as a terrorist when the actual terrorist himself, Isaac Kgosi, is seating in the comfort of his home.”
Magistrate Makofi rejected an application by the defence attorney to have Maswabi’s case struck off the roll due to insufficient evidence and insisted that Ndadi applies for such as a fresh matter.
Ndadi wanted the matter struck off the roll as the State suffers no prejudice by removing it. “The matter must be removed from the roll, when they are ready they will reins taint it,” he said.
However when speaking to this publication, Ndadi confirmed even that though he is conflicted and cannot comment on a report that has evidence that might prove his client’s innocence, he is still going ahead to file an application to have the matter struck off the roll. The matter has been postponed to 17 November 2020, for a status hearing and 17 December 2020 for committal at the High Court.[/ihc-hide-content]
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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.