Investigations into the recent audio leaks by high-ranking officials from the Directorate on Corruption and Economic Crime (DCEC) and Directorate of Intelligence and Security (DIS) are ongoing.
The Minister of Defense, Justice and Security Kagiso Mmusi awaits President Dr. Mokgweetsi Masisi’s instructions on what action to take regarding audio leaks which breached national security.
The DCEC says it is disturbed by the leaked recordings of high-profile government business meetings in which the executive and officers were part of.
In a brief interview with this publication, Mmusi said: “I am aware of the leaked audio. I am disappointed.”
He said he is seeking guidance from the President. He said thereafter he will announce what action will be taken “in the next few days”.
Mmusi said it is possible the investigations may be outsourced. “I do not want to pre-empt what guidance I will be given by my superior therefore kindly wait until sometime next week,“ he said.
He said since his appointment as minister, it is the first time he has come to deal with such a sensitive issue. He asked for restraint from the public urging citizens to have faith in law enforcement agencies.
Highly placed government enclave sources have appealed to Masisi to intervene and enlist the DCEC Act to call off the P100 billion thieving allegations and investigations. Section 15 of the Act empowers the president to call off investigations when cases may compromise national security.
Sources fear Botswana will continue to be black-listed by the European Union.
The DCEC has issued a press statement stating that due to the explicit nature of the recordings, they feel obliged to state their position regarding the embarrassment suffered.
The statement reads in part: “It is unfortunate and regrettable that the deliberations of such a classified operational meeting, during the conduct of an official government business were secretly recorded in this fashion and leaked to the general public, and by extension, potentially to the whole world, at a time when the country is dealing with sensitive serious national issues, amongst others, in the anti-money laundering, counter financing terrorism and proliferation financing space.”
“As an agency, we certainly are appalled by this conduct, and so should every right-thinking patriot.
We consider it a privilege to have been chosen to serve this country and its people, and believe that as government officials we are trusted with the responsibility to conduct the affairs of government in particular, and of the nation in general, with diligence, credibility and integrity.”
