- DISS allegedly recommended gov’t cut ties with Seleka Springs
- Seleka Springs made over P100 million through military procurement between 1989 and 2012
LETLHOGILE MPUANG
President Mokgweetsi Masisi’s government is alleged to have cut ties with arms consultancy firm Seleka Springs. Seleka Springs is owned by former president Ian Khama’s younger brothers Tshekedi and Anthony.
Sources at the Office of the President (OP) said the Directorate of Intelligence and Security Services (DISS) led by Director General Brigadier Peter Magosi advised Masisi that all government institutions should stop engaging the company.
In 2015, the then Minister of Defense Justice and Security Shaw Khathi told parliament that between 1989 and 2012, Seleka Springs benefited over P100 million by acting as agents for companies doing business with the BDF. He also revealed that the company was also awarded a tender by Botswana Po-lice in 2000 to supply rifles and pistols.
In 2014 Seleka Springs was implicated in wast-age of public funds after purchasing a Pilatus PC-24 twin jet engine aircraft for the DISS. According to reports from the Patriot on Sunday and Sunday Standard newspapers, the jet is believed to have cost the government over P100 million. The Botswana Gazette was told that Seleka Springs acted as agents in the deal, and allegedly benefitted close to P17 million in the process.
However, the alleged blacklisting may create a new challenge for the government. It is understood that Seleka Springs holds several exclusive licenses for major military supplies in Europe. The company is said to hold exclusive agency licenses for Avis Vickers from the United Kingdom, Steyr-Daimler and FN Herstal from South Africa and Belgium respectively, who have all conducted business with the BDF. These companies supply specialized military equipment, ammunition and spares.
While Seleka Springs Director Anthony Khama did not respond to this publication’s inquiry, a source at the company confirmed that there was a significant decline in business since last year, 2019.
When contacted, DISS Spokesperson Edward Robert referred this publication to the government public relations office. The BDF directed questions sent by this publication to the government.
The Botswana Gazette sent inquiries to Andrew Sesinyi, Permanent Secretary, Government Communications, as well as Press Secretary to the President Batlhalefi Leagajang. They both did not respond to the inquiries