Tension is brewing between the Directorate on Corruption and Economic Crime (DCEC) and the Botswana Red Cross Society over the DCEC’s recommendation for the suspension of the Society’s Secretary General, Mabel Rammekwa.
The push to suspend the Secretary General follows a DCEC probe on corruption allegations against the society.
However, the Red Cross’ governing body insists it will not suspend Rammekwa until the DCEC provides “enough reason” for the action.
Meanwhile, the DCEC has expressed concern about whistle blowers “who are being victimized by their seniors”.
Information reaching Sunday Standard suggests that since the beginning of this year, the society has been under a DCEC probe over alleged corruption. Although there is no complainant in the matter because the Red Cross is reportedly unwilling to provide critical information, it is understood the DCEC has nevertheless completed its investigations.
“The board is aware of the investigations carried out by DCEC and the Secretary General is also fully aware of them,” said Red Cross Board chairperson, Mildred Molefhi.
She said the board is not convinced with the investigations and will not suspend its Rammekwa until DCEC gives cause for the suspension.
“We will not in any way suspend her until DCEC tells us exactly what they are investigating,” Molefhi said.
“If the DCEC can be in a position to convince us and we realize that there is wrong doing, the board will comply and suspend her without any difficulties,” she said.
The Red Cross board chairperson confirmed that the DCEC is pushing the reluctant board to suspend Rammekwa, adding that board would not inform the society’s patron ÔÇô President Ian Khama ÔÇô until they have concrete answers.
Molefhi said it is very unfortunate that the organization’s image has been tarnished and this was not a good sign for donors. She said in the end, tyhese allegations may have a bearing on the funding of the Red Cross by its different donor agencies.
DCEC spokesperson, Lentswe Motshoganetsi, confirmed the investigation and said the docket had been forwarded to the Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP).
He would neither divulge the nature nor the outcome of the probe.
Motshoganetsi said the DCEC is concerned about the safety and protection of its informers who are being victimized by their supervisors. He however assured the public that there are measures in place to protect informers.
Contacted for comment, Rammekwa only said: “I am not aware of any investigations carried by DCEC.”
She categorically dismissed the notion that the society might be involved in corrupt practices, adding that she was not in a position to resign until she knew what wrong she had done.
Sometime in 2002, government and donor agencies pulled back from funding the Red Cross owing to lack of accountability and allegations of corruption. At the time, no individuals were charged.
