A forensic audit typically deals with the misappropriation, misconduct, and recovery of finances. The recently launched forensic audit in Botswana presumably has the same objectives—a welcome development.

However, it was not only the public purse that was undermined and corrupted but also our democracy. As such, some had hoped for a judicial commission of inquiry with a broader mandate. This would have gone beyond a forensic audit to include other serious lapses in governance, such as abuse of office, violations of human rights, and breaches of the rule of law. These are all aspects of governance and democracy that the government has stated are among its priorities.

People were poisoned, and it is believed that some died as a result. Investigating lost lives is more important than investigating lost money—though both are significant.

People, including senior officials, were suspended without reason or explanation. Government property was raided and sealed. Affidavits were fabricated, as were charges, yet no action has been taken against those responsible. So far, there has been no redress for the victims of such state persecution.

Individuals were illegally arrested, detained, and falsely charged, with courts ruling some of these actions unlawful. Property was searched and confiscated without due process, and in some cases, illegally seized assets have yet to be returned.

People were denied their right to tender, businesses collapsed, jobs were lost, incomes were wiped out, and some were forced to leave the country.

Within the DIS, recruitment was flawed, and promotions were corrupted, favoring certain individuals over longer-serving agents. Transfers were carried out against those perceived as not supporting the prevailing illegal actions. Many director positions were created for cronies without clear responsibilities. Bodyguards, vehicles, and even jobs for children of influential individuals were used as favors to secure loyalty. A significant number of DIS personnel were suspended or placed on indefinite paid leave, sometimes for months.

Why were so many police officers seconded to the DIS, and why are they still there?

All those affected—and many more—deserve their right to a fair hearing and justice. This is not just about money. It is much more than that. The very fabric of our society was shaken, along with people’s livelihoods, and there must be accountability.

Lastly, under the forensic audit, those responsible for the corrupt misuse of DIS operational funds continued to have access to them after 2024. Many of those in authority remain in place, still managing these funds. The audit must therefore extend to the present day.

As the findings of the audit will be made public, so too should the submissions to the audit team, ensuring that nothing is overlooked or left out of the final report.

Let’s do this thoroughly and holistically from the start to ensure that never again in our nation’s history can such blatant criminal abuses be carried out by those entrusted with national responsibilities.