07 Apr 2015

The Directorate on Corruption and Economic Crime (DCEC) says it is misleading to posit that they have killed and ruined people’s careers.

A press release from the DCEC says the organisation is compelled to respond and set the record straight amid recent misleading article by a certain Gofitile Keotshwaetse that seem to suggest the DCEC is witch hunting the “so called high profile people”. 

The release says although the writer is entitled to express his views, the DCEC, however, find his opinion grossly misleading and need to be corrected.  The DCEC, the release says, does not investigate cases based on the name or position of the individual mentioned in the allegation. 

“The DCEC investigates any case once it has been established that the allegation falls within the remits of the Corruption and Economic Crime Act,” reads the statement. 

It further states that subsequent to thorough investigations, the Corruption and Economic Crime Act (CECA) section 39 demands that the Director General once satisfied that there is evidence should refer the matter to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for assessment of evidence and possible prosecution. 

It adds that the DPP Director will study the docket to see if there is enough evidence against the accused person before he can refer the case to court. 

Again, it says under the Constitution of Botswana, the DPP Director is the only person who has the power to decide whether the case can be sent to court or otherwise.

“Therefore it is misleading to posit that the DCEC has killed and ruined people’s careers.” Further, it says the DCEC conduct its affairs as stipulated in the Corruption and Economic Crime Act 1994 and as amended in 2013. 

“It is the writer’s responsibility to seek clarity as it is very clear that he lacks understanding of the criminal justice process.” 

Thus, the release says the article is therefore not only misleading but very malicious and unfortunate, adding “we would like to assure the public that the DCEC will continue to carry out its mandate as espoused in the laws governing it and above all within the Constitution of Botswana.” ENDS