06 Apr 2026

T

he Directorate of Intelligence and Security (DIS) holds the primary mandate for coordinating the State President’s security, Minister for State President, Defence and Security, Mr Moeti Mohwasa, has said.

Responding to a parliamentary question recently, Minister Mohwasa explained that the protection of the President and designated principals was enshrined under Section 5(1)(g) and Section 9(1) of the Intelligence and Security Service Act of 2008.

Regarding local operations, the minister indicated that the DIS had not engaged any local private security companies to provide personal protection for the President.

He added that while the Directorate retained lead responsibility, it was not uncommon to engage private entities for specific auxiliary components such as transportation, particularly for various dignitaries.

He further explained that private security engagement occurred when the President was travelling abroad.

“These arrangements often arise when host countries do not provide the necessary security infrastructure. In such circumstances, the DIS works closely with its counterparts in the host country to identify suitable providers. 

This is done only after thorough security checks, assessments and due diligence processes are completed to ensure that required standards and international best practices are met,” he said.

He added that such cooperation ensured appropriate security arrangements in line with international best practices and the security requirements of the Office of the President.

Due to security considerations, Mr Mohwasa said he was not at liberty to disclose the specific companies that might be engaged externally to provide certain security services.

However, he noted that such information would be presented to the Parliamentary Committee on Intelligence and Security.

Member of Parliament for Maun North, Mr Dumelang Saleshando, had asked the minister to confirm whether the Office of the President had ever engaged a private security company to provide for the security needs of the President alongside state security agencies.

MP Saleshando also requested for details on what prompted such engagements and how the companies were identified.

He further sought information on the names of the companies involved, their directors or shareholders, the duration of their engagement and the amounts paid for their services. end