24 Jul 2022

Members of Parliament have expressed divergent views regarding the Corruption and Economic Crime Amendment Bill of 2021, which was tabled by Selebi Phikwe West MP, Mr Dithapelo Keorapetse last Thursday.

Supporting the bill, Okavango MP, Mr Kenney Kapinga said there was need for the Directorate on Corruption and Economic Crime (DCEC) to be fully independent for it to be effective. He said the DCEC should be government funded, but should have the independence to execute its mandate with no interference.

“The DCEC should be a hybrid statutory organisation such as other institutions like the University of Botswana which are independent in their operations. There is nothing wrong with establishing a government funded body that is independent, and this does not absolve such organisations from accountability,” he said.

Ghanzi South MP, Mr Motsamai Motsamai also supported the bill, saying it would not only enhance democracy but also correct certain procedures affecting the operations of the DCEC.

“Institutions such as DCEC should be given freedom and independence to conduct their investigations without fear,” he said.He also submitted that unnecessary transfer of DCEC officers should be avoided to ensure continuity of investigations and to enhance the effectiveness of the institution.

Sefhare/Ramokgonami MP, Dr Kesitegile Gobotswang also spoke in support of the bill, arguing that it was aimed at enhancing the operations of the DCEC and not increasing the number of parastatal bodies. He underscored the need for oversight organisations, such as the DCEC, to be independent. “As the opposition, we have been consistent that oversight bodies such as the DCEC and the IEC should not be under government,” he said.

Boteti West MP and Leader of the House, Mr Slumber Tsogwane opposed the motion, saying there was no need to review the current DCEC legislation since it was effective. He said the bill was weak and failed to indicate how the independence of the DCEC was compromised. “Just like other organisations, the DCEC is directly funded by government and the director general is the accounting officer, with no interference from the minister. The bill is informed by suspicions and perceptions which do not hold water,” he said.

He suggested that instead of reviewing the legislation, there was need for all stakeholders, including communities, to work together with a common purpose of eliminating corruption in Botswana.

Mr Fidelis Molao, MP for Shashe West, also opposed the bill. He said such submissions should be left for Batswana to contribute during the ongoing enquiry into the constitutional review.

“As the constitutional review process is ongoing, we should allow Batswana to discuss such matters there. It would be better and neater for such issues to be handled at the comprehensive process,” he said.

Molepolole North MP, Mr Oabile Regoeng also said the bill was not in good faith as it was based on suspicions without evidence. ends