DCEC, DIS wars threaten gov’t trust
In an interesting turf war, the Directorate of Intelligence and Security (DIS) and the Directorate on Corruption and Economic Crime (DCEC) are fighting in court. This came about after the DIS agents raided and sealed the DCEC offices last week in search of files allegedly opened by the corruption bursting agency investigators against some of the DIS officers.
The move prompted DCEC head, Tymon Katlholo to approach the court to seek a restraining order against the DIS, which the court duly granted through a rule nisi.
The turn of events came as a shock to many, especially that the impasse involves two government institutions charged with combating economic crime and national security respectively.
Their actions can influence the public’s perceptions of government trustworthiness, as well as erode public confidence in public institutions especially the DIS and DCEC.
It is given that in an open democracy and well functioning government, the two institutions are supposed to work hand-in-hand to assist each other especially to fight economic crime that are threat to national security.
To see these institutions at war with each other, as it is currently the case, is very disturbing and embarrassing to say the least. It also reflects badly on the system and shows our government is in disarray. One wonders what are they on about? Katlholo and DIS Director General, Peter Magosi must come out and tell us what this war is all about. For some time, trust in government had been diminishing, but with these new developments, it is bound to reach new lows.
It is also about all public institutions stayed within their mandate and not encroach into others’ lane. The DIS has been accused of encroaching into other institutions’ business in the past.
Magosi must know that his institution is not above the law and should let others perform their roles without fear or favour, lest we find ourselves dealing with this unnecessary feud.
Furthermore, it is time President Mokgweetsi Masisi, as the Commander in Chief, intervened in this mess, and call Magosi to order.
It has never happened in the history of this republic that we find one of the country’s premier public institutions seeming to have arrogance with impunity. Public institutions must act decisively to restore public trust and confidence. Particularly in times of turbulence and volatility, trust is what holds the society together. Every public institution must play its part in inspiring societal confidence.