17 Feb 2014

Letlhakeng sub-district councillors have been advised to desist from corrupt practices.

This was said by an official from the Directorate on Corruption and Economic Crime (DCEC), Mr Kenneth Petros, when officially addressing the sub-council session in Letlhakeng recently.

Mr Petros said lack of accountability was a major contributing factor in the existence of corruption in Botswana. He noted that DCEC had established a unit that went around the country teaching the public about corruption and soliciting public support.

He pointed out that the programme was divided into three target groups being the youth, public servants and the public in general. He outlined the three corporate services offered by the DCEC being public education, investigation and corruption prevention. Mr Petros also explained to councillors the corruption prevention techniques.

He stated that the introduction and adoption of codes of conduct and ethics, transparency and accountability as such corruption prevention techniques. He also urged them to fight corruption and desist from supporting issues of corruption adding that corruption was a limiting factor to growth and development of a country.

He cited that one of DCEC initiatives was to work with village development committees countrywide to combat corruption at village level. For their part councillors applauded the DCEC for enlightening them about corruption.

They said for Botswana to be a safe and secure nation the public have to be well equipped with information about corruption. Councillors for Kaudwane and Malwelwe, Messrs Gabolemelwe Ramaeba and Lefty Ramotswai said fighting corruption is a collective responsibility of every citizen adding that it is therefore the responsibility of every citizen to combat crime at all levels. Councillors also appreciated DCEC’s initiative of educating the public about corruption.

Mr Petros advised councillors to consider integrity and excellence as first priority and integral part of their daily job as leaders. He urged them to have an open eye and be aware as corruption has no boundaries. Ends