DIS enlists help of BDF to stop ‘embarrassing’ leaks
The Directorate of Intelligence and Services (DIS) sought assistance from the Botswana Defence Force (BDF) in an effort to avert identifies of its officers being leaked to the public. [ihc-hide-content ihc_mb_type=”show” ihc_mb_who=”1,2,3″ ihc_mb_template=”1″ ]
This is contained in a founding affidavit by, DIS Director Lesego Tsholofelo, who was recently reinstated following a court order. The officer was slapped with suspension by DIS Director General Peter Magosi on suspicion that he was the one behind the leaks.
Tsholofelo told the court through his affidavit that the directorate enlisted the services of Major General Joseph Seelo of BDF to investigate the circumstances surrounding the alleged leakage with a view to making recommendation to DIS.
He said Seelo was empowered to make recommendations, presumably on the disciplinary action to be taken against the source of the leakage on the conclusion of his investigation; he was not conducting disciplinary proceedings against Tsholofelo.
“… yet I was requested to accede to a one-on-one interview with the Brigadier. I duly cooperated with Brigadier Seelo in his purportedinvestigation,” Tsholofelo said. He saidon 30th November 2020, the Seelo called him on my mobile phone and asked me to come see him at one of Magosi’s offices.
“Upon my arrival at the office, he asked me to record a statement encapsulating matters within my knowledge relative to the leaked information. I agreed. In the statement, I reiterated that my account of events on the issue under consideration is aptly encapsulated in the report I had already made to the second respondent (Magosi),” said Tsholofelo.
He added that, “At the time of disposing to this affidavit I have not been advised of Brigadier Seelo’s findings nor his recommendations, apart from the interview I had with Brigadier Seelo on 26th October 2020 and my subsequent meeting with him on November 2020, I have not had other interactions with anyone else within the Directorate concerning the investigation, I remain on interdiction yet the respondent has not initiated any disciplinary proceedings against me.”
In the report that he said he made to Magosi, Tsholofelo said he had called a senior intelligence officer who had assisted him when he drafted the savingram or report.
In the same report addressed to Magosi in which Tsholofelo made certain suggestion and recommendations; reminding Magosi that the practice when transferring officers to address letters to them individually rather than dispatching a list comprising all the names of the affected officers. “The rationale behind this is to minimize the risk of leakage of information relating to transfers which would invariably contain identities of the officers),” he explained.
According to Tsholofelo; “With this practice, in the event of a leak, the source thereof is easily traceable. Also, because letters are individually addressed, it is inconceivable that any such leak would encompass information on transfer of numerous officers.”
He saiddespite my advice, Magosi insisted, at a meeting that Tsholofelo had with Magosi that “he preferred that the information be distributed by way of a comprehensive list.”
Tsholofelo also stated that after he had learnt about the leak, he had also called his supervisor one Deputy Director General Kenamile Badubi and reported to him what he had learnt concerning the Facebook leak and the steps he had taken directing that an enquiry be extended to Regional Managers.
“My supervisor told me that he also had learnt of the incident. Later I presented a written report to the Deputy Director General in which I explained my involvement following the issuance of the transfers’ list.”
Regarding the background as to why he was suspended, Tsholofelo said on the 9th of September 2020, Magosi served him with an interdiction notice. He said Magosi did not disclose in the letter on what basis he had formed the opinion that he was the one responsible for the leak. Tsholofelo said after Magosi had taken a “decision to rotate agents of the Directorate and issued details thereof, this information was shared internally, and legitimately so, with at least eleven different appropriate offices. I’m at loss as to why the second respondent singled me out as a suspect of the leak. “
He said his attempt at obtaining clarification on the disciplinary action Magosi intended taking had been unsuccessful.
“It bears mention that I instructed my attorneys to address a letter to the second respondent concerning the status of the disciplinary proceedings against me. The respondent, in its response intimated that he could noy discuss the matter through an exchange of correspondence with third parties, on account of the sensitive nature of the matters arising from the investigation,” said Tsholofelo.
Tsholofelo said he is a Facebook user and as such he had come to know of one Daniel Kenosi who is also a user of Facebook.
“He posts on matter in the political sphere and was purportedly responsible for the impugned Facebook post. He is however neither a friend no an acquittance and I have never shared any information whatsoever with him, let alone the leaked information,” said Tsholofelo.
He added that; “It will be noted that I left no stone unturned in bring a resolution to this matter.” However, he said, Magosi has not been forthcoming; “he has avoided addressing the grievances against me in a transparent, fair and just manner.”
“Instead, he has initiated a witch-hunt against me, which has the potential of damaging me irrevocably-an unblemished reputation is important in the security sector,” said Tsholofelo.[/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.