- Head of DISS wants suspended spies charged and prosecuted
- Investigation to focus on abuse of office, money laundering
LETLHOGILE MPUANG
The Directorate on Corruption and Economic Crime (DCEC) has been called upon to assist in investigations involving suspended senior officers of the Directorate of Intelligence and Security Service (DISS), Pulane Kgoadi and Paul Setlhabi.
The pair, along with certain officers from the legal and investigation departments of the secret service, were suspended last week following preliminary investigations into several unspecified issues.
Prior to their suspensions, they underwent at least two days of interrogation.
Legal action
DISS spokesman Edward Robert has confirmed that some officers are assisting with investigations but would not elaborate.
However, The Botswana Gazette is informed that DISS is eager to see “proper” legal action taken against the officers.
Sources say DISS has forwarded all the lowdown it has on the two and their colleagues to the corruption-busting agency for further investigations and potential prosecution.
Delicate
Initial reports suggest that charges of abuse of office and money laundering may be brought against them.
“There were several meetings last week between the two agencies,” said an informed source. “This is a very delicate case, given the positions held by the two suspended officers. The allegations against them are quite serious.”
Setlhabi, codenamed “Slim,” is a top investigator while Kgoadi heads the legal department.
Attempts to contact DCEC spokesperson Lentswe Motshoganetsi have proved unsuccessful, with his phone going unanswered.
Transfers
Reports indicate that Kgoadi and Setlhabi were informed of impending transfers to other ministries affecting them before they became targets of investigations.
“They were notified about transfers last year but have been hesitant to relocate,” said the source. “The matter was even brought to the attention of the Permanent Secretary to the President (PSP).”
Before their falling out with the head of DISS, Peter Magosi, Setlhabi and Kgoadi were regarded as some of the most influential officers of the secret service.