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State forged Kgosi’s arrest warrant

In a classic and shocking case of disgrace and dishonour to this country, the law enforcement agencies are currently struggling to cover up a damaging and humiliating scandal of having conspired to forge the signature of a Palapye Chief Magistrate, Rebecca Motsamai in an unlawful acquisition of the much-publicised 2019 warrant of arrest against Isaac Kgosi, the former director of the Directorate of Intelligence Services (DIS).

The cloak-and-dagger arrest was led by the DIS director, Brigadier Peter Magosi supported by the Botswana Police, Botswana Defence Force (BDF), with the Botswana Unified Revenue Services (BURS) which accused Kgosi of tax evasion, in the backseat.

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But hardly two years down the line, the state‘s machinations leading to Kgosi’s arrest are tumbling out to the public eye, and the evidence before the court is that the law enforcers may have engaged in flagrant disregard of the law for personal motives.

Under pressure to clear her name and avoid an encroaching lawsuit, the Palapye Magistrate, Rebecca Motsamai who was said to have issued a warrant of arrest for Kgosi has moved swiftly to distance herself from the Kgosi arrest operation; further denying ever partaking anyhow in the arrest as claimed by the state agencies, which were using a warrant in her name and signature.

In her affidavit before the court seen by this publication, Motsamai who is the 10th defendant in Kgosi’s P50 million suit against the state states the following:

“I am entitled to depose to this affidavit by virtue of the fact that I am the 10th defendant in this matter and in light of the extreme serious allegations levelled against me in plaintiff (Kgosi)’s declaration. I have never been a party to any court proceedings of the nature that is alleged against me or at all. I have never been part of any conspiracy against the Plaintiff (Kgosi) or participated in any way in his arrest and detention as alleged in the declaration or at all. I never issued any warrant for the arrest of the Plaintiff as alleged or at all.”

Magistrate Motsamai said the information or allegations about her involvement in the conspiracy are false and should be ignored. “I wish to state that all the allegations against me in these proceedings and in the declaration in particular are false, spurious, frivolous, vexatious and defamatory of me in my person and in my official capacity in the extreme,” she wrote.

Kgosi drives the state up the wall…

The latest developments follow Kgosi’s pursuit to clear his name and bring those “who conspired against him” to book.  The Palapye Magistrate, Motsamai who was cited as the 10th defendant as the main person who had authored the alleged unlawful Warrant of Arrest when the arrest did not fall under her jurisdiction.

Kgosi, who is represented by Diba wa Diba and Thabiso Tafila of Thabiso Tafila attorneys, has been saying the warrant of arrest was irregular and forged.

Kgosi is challenging the DIS, Kaone Molapo (employee of BURS) and BURS arguing that they have no lawful reason to request a warrant of arrest for the plaintiff (Kgosi). Also in the mix is the Botswana Defence Force, the Botswana Police Service (BPS), Mbako Bonang (BPS) and Koketso Mbulawa (BPS).

“In abuse of her Judicial discretion and powers, the 10th defendant (Motsamai) acting in concert with the 1st (Attorney General,2nd (BPS) ,3rd (DIS), 5th ,6th ,7th and 8th (BURS) defendants issued an irregular Warrant of Arrest in Palapye against Kgosi without any application before her for the arrest of Kgosi. Magistrate Motsamai did so knowing that she had no jurisdiction over the tax matter,” said Tafila.

Kgosi argues that he stays in Gaborone and not Palapye, further adding that the alleged tax evasion occurred in Gaborone and not Palapye where the warrant of arrest was sought and signed.

The court documents reveal that there was no evidence before her that the plaintiff evaded tax in 2017.

He said magistrate Motsamai of Palapye (who has since denied any involvement in the matter) deliberately acted in violation of her judicial oath and in abuse of her office, alternatively allowed her office to be abused by BPS and BURS.

Tafila said acting on the irregular and unlawful warrant of arrest the defendants individually, jointly and collectively effected the unlawful arrest of Kgosi on the 15th January 2019 at Sir Seretse Khama International Airport upon his arrival from India with his family.

Police say its BURS..BURS accuse the police of lying..

While Kgosi was arrested on a warrant purportedly issued by magistrate Motsamai of Palapye, the police claim they obtained the warrant after they made an application at the instance of BURS (Police affidavit), a statement strongly denied by BURS as shall be shown below.

Assistant superintendent, Koketso Mphapho Mbulawa of Botswana Police in his affidavit says: “On or about 15th January 2019 we received a report from BURS that Kgosi was wanted for the offence of intent to evade liability to tax and that BURS needs assistance to obtain a warrant of arrest for Kgosi who was due to arrive in Botswana, and we were tasked with the duty of applying for the warrant of arrest and effect same on Kgosi,” wrote Mbulawa in defence of the actions and role of the Botswana Police.

But BURS in their recent court papers is denying that they ever asked the police to obtain any warrant against Kgosi. In fact BURS says it knows nothing about the warrant, “prior to the arrest, BURS had no role whatsoever to play in so far as the acts of applying for and obtaining the warrant of arrest against Kgosi. In any event, it is not the mandate of BURS to do so,” reads the BURS Acting Commissioner General, Segolo Lekau.

The magistrate says she never issued any warrant and no application was ever brought before her in Palapye and further says he has no knowledge of the warrant even though it bears what appears to be her signature.

The Police are now under pressure to divulge who in Palapye magistrate court signed the warrant but the Palapye Magistrate court has said that there has never been a file with them involving the application for warrant of arrest.

The Income Tax Act does not allow for the detention of anybody for tax issues. It only permits the Commissioner to ask the chief immigration officer to prevent a person to leave Botswana until such time arrangements would have been made to pay tax.

Magistrate represented by the state against the state

Despite denying the state’s reports about her involvement, Magistrate Motsamai is represented by the state as an employee of the state. Sources say she is planning to sue those who have defamed her once the matter has been settled but on whether this is doable under the prevailing circumstances remains only a matter of probabilities.

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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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