The Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has prioritised cases of national interest, a move its Director, Mr Kgosietsile Ngakayage says has helped address the country’s economic strain caused by widespread corruption.
Addressing a press briefing in Gaborone on April 21, Mr Ngakayagae stressed that provided case dockets were submitted, no distinctions would be made, and all those involved would be held accountable, whether they were political leaders, senior public officers, or ministers.
Furthermore, he urged those in government to shun corruption, warning that no one would be immune from prosecution.
Meanwhile, information from the DPP indicates that from April last year to April this year, more than P50 million in cash was recovered as proceeds of crime, including funds linked to contractual disputes.
Of this amount, P17 million was recovered from Ecoplexus, with recovery efforts reported to be progressing well.
In addition, the DPP cautioned Batswana against participating in pyramid schemes, noting that, aside from incurring financial losses, individuals would also be committing a criminal offense punishable by law.
Turning to matters of public safety, Mr Ngakayage said that cases of rape and defilement involving minors would not be withdrawn.
He expressed concern over victims of gender-based violence who withdraw cases, making it difficult for the DPP to secure justice, a situation that has, in some instances, resulted in deaths.
He further noted that societal pressure was among the reasons complainants withdraw cases, often after considerable effort by investigating officers and the completion of procedural processes.
Also he attributed the collapse of some cases to a lack of witnesses.
In the ongoing effort to combat gender-based violence, Mr Ngakayagae said the DPP would engage traditional leaders.
On other matters, he revealed that there was a backlog of cases dating back as far as 22 years. He also highlighted challenges hindering progress, including a shortage of human resources and transport.
Additionally, DPP Assistant Director Mr Mmapatsi Tshimologo reported that, for the past five years, 1 077 cases of rape have been concluded, while 1 568 remain ongoing.
Over the same period, 261 murder cases were concluded, with 936 still ongoing, while for defilement, 845 cases have been concluded and 1 094 remain in progress.
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