06 Feb 2022

The Directorate of Intelligence and Security (DIS) says it notes with regret a recent statement on the operations of the directorate attributed to the Law Society of Botswana (LSB).

A media release from DIS says the directorate regards LSB as an important stakeholder as it is a key contributor to the discourse on the oversight and governance of public entities.

However, it says the statement has the potential to misguide and alarm the public unnecessarily.

It says contrary to the LSB’s recent allegations and assertions on the operation of the directorate, the Intelligence and Security Service Act (2008) which established DIS did not empower it to usurp the powers of the police, DCEC and DPP.

“The reality is that all these agencies were established by different and independent acts, the DIS cooperates and works closely with all agencies of law enforcement and other government institutions,” says the release. It adds that it is not only standard practice, but necessary as it results in efficient strategic communication, shrewd usage of the already limited resources, effective intelligence gathering and sharing as well as effective investigations and prosecution.

The communication assures the public that the directorate will always conduct its affairs according to its establishing act and within the confines of the laws of Botswana.

The release further says it is always Director General Brigadier Mr Peter Magosi’s wish that continued constructive public views about the directorate could eventually contribute to improved accountability now and beyond his tenure. BOPA