15 Nov 2020

The Directorate of Intelligence and Security Services (DIS) has branded misleading a November 11 Mmegi newspaper story headlined DIS thwarts Masisi as SPEDU P1.2 project stalls.

A DIS press release says the story falsely claims it has instructed the lands ministry not to release funds for the SPEDU Industrial and Urban Agriculture Land Service project.

DIS’ instruction, it is further falsely claimed, was improperly issued in the interest of an unnamed Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) person and another supposedly high ranking individual within the directorate.

The allegations are untrue and intended to mislead, says the release.

It  explains that DIS does not make decisions on tenders but routinely advises ministries and departments on security issues as  provided for under the Intelligence and Security Services Act.

This is a normal and distinct national security role that was envisioned to protect the country’s national interests and is in line with the directorate’s established mandate, says the release.

The directorate assures the public that it always conducts itself within the purview of its mandate and will always act with the necessary professionalism and requisite seriousness where the country’s national interests and security are concerned. Ends