27 May 2026

A major legislative overhaul is imminent for the Directorate on Corruption and Economic Crime (DCEC) as a new draft Anti-Corruption Bill is set to hit Parliament in July alongside ongoing de-linking project aimed at granting the entity full operational independence. That was shared by Minister for State President, Defence and Security, Mr Moeti Mohwasa, during a staff engagement meeting in Gaborone on May 26.

Addressing DCEC officers, Minister Mohwasa urged them to uphold integrity, confidentiality and ethical conduct as such structural shifts took place.

The minister emphasised that regular interactions with employees were vital for strengthening institutions through honest dialogue, collective reflection and shared purpose.

Acknowledging the current economic hardships facing many Batswana, Mr Mohwasa warned that corruption severely worsened such struggles by diverting critical resources away from public services.

“Every Pula stolen from public resources is medicine taken away from a patient, a classroom delayed, a road left unfinished or an opportunity denied to the youth,” the minister said.

He emphasised that the DCEC’s mandate extended far beyond investigations and case management, saying the organisation was a vital guardian of public trust and national integrity.

The minister commended both management and staff for their professionalism, particularly progress in addressing employee welfare and curbing internal information leaks.

He reiterated government’s commitment to further improving staff welfare, despite ongoing financial constraints affecting the broader public sector.

Mr Mohwasa also highlighted that the DCEC remained central to driving the National Development Plan 12 (NDP 12) and the Botswana Economic Transformation Programme (BETP), particularly as the nation endeavoured to elevate its governance and accountability standards.

With public scrutiny intensifying, particularly from oversight bodies like the Public Accounts Committee, the minister welcomed the rising number of high-profile corruption investigations and court cases.

He noted that such developments demonstrated government’s commitment to fighting crime without fear or favour.

Beyond the upcoming July Parliamentary sitting, the minister noted that work was wrapping up on the National Anti-Corruption Policy.

He also urged staff to prepare for the swift implementation of recommendations from the recently released National Forensic Audit Report, emphasising that the public expected institutions to act decisively and fairly whenever wrongdoing was uncovered.

The minister further expressed confidence in the agency and reminded the officers that the fight against corruption was ultimately a fight for justice, public trust, economic recovery and the country’s future credibility. ENDS