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Exposed: State Lies

A series of state records seen by this reporter have exposed the state’s fabrication of charges and shocking willpower to persecute a 47-year old Whelheminah Maswabi codenamed ‘Butterfly’ on one of her outstanding charges of possession of unexplained property.

The truth relating to the case and charges continue to tumble out depicting the country’s biggest criminal case in history as nothing but a cock-and-bull story. The documents which are from the Office of the President, Botswana Housing Corporation (BHC), Financial Intelligence Agency (FIA), commercial banks, Deeds office and other public offices provide detailed accounts on ownership of the property which the Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP) says are owned by Butterfly.
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According to records from these offices, most of the listed properties alleged to be owned by Butterfly are actually state properties and not even registered in her names as suggested by the state’s investigating agencies.

More shocking of them all is a 47.597 hectares Phakalane plot 70793 accommodating hundreds of houses belonging to BHC which the DPP says belongs to Maswabi. The plot according Deeds and BHC records belongs to BHC and occupies houses owned by several government departments and wealthy individuals in Gaborone.

The Office of the President’s registry records show that about 83 houses within the same plot actually belong to the Directorate on Intelligence Services (DIS) which is accusing Butterfly of owning the acres of land that occupies them.

The said massive piece of land was subdivided into lots 70794-71300 and 71965-71978 Gaborone by plan no 776/2010. The process was directed and overseen by a Gaborone based law firm, Monthe Marumo & Company. Another plot 71077 North Park, Phakalane is a BHC house currently owned by the Financial Intelligence Agency (FIA). BHC sale records show that the house was sold to FIA on the 23 March 2016 at a total cost of P1,379,280.00.

Deeds registry records clearly reveal that two of the Gaborone based plots attached to Maswabi by the state investigating agencies actually belong to her parents with one transferred to her name.
On vehicles alleged to be owned by Butterfly, the state’s vehicle registry system reveals that of the vehicles alleged to be owned by Butterfly, two are owned by the state, being the Office of the President and Central Transport Organisation; while another is listed under a private individual. Only two belong to Butterfly- a Toyota Fortuner B313 AWD which First National Bank records dated February 2019 show that it was purchased through their scheme and BMW B967 BBX.

It is not known how the state with all its apparatus could not have known that the properties belong to them but more shocking is that more of those properties alleged to be belonging to Butterfly are actually owned by one of the investigating arms – the DIS.

The information we have gathered suggests that no basic investigations have been done to ascertain the truth about the listed assets as such information is expected to be an-on-the-surface kind of information for a state institution.

The state in the court papers say Maswabi’s known source of income was her salary derived from her employment at the DIS. “It is a matter of inference that the accused person’s assets outweigh her known income,” the state says in recent court papers.

The state in the papers say they have interviewed Maswabi who gave them her side of the story, “She gave an oral explanation to the investigation team. The state advisedly decided not to disclose the evidence and her explanation as requested. This is done to avert making public, incriminating information, unfairly.

The evidence in possession of the state will be disclosed to Maswabi at the appropriate time,” reads the state’s response to the defence’s questions on whether they have ever interviewed Maswabi, was it verbal or written and on whether they can share that information if they have.

According to the particulars of offence, on the count of possession of unexplained property which currently remains, “the accused person also known as Lorato Hilton on a date unknown to the prosecutor but between December 1, 2018 and October 17, 2019 in Gaborone whilst employed as a civil servant, to wit, a computer programmer at DIS was in control of pecuniary resources disproportionate to her present or past known sources of income or assets.”[/ihc-hide-content]

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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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