In a powerful testament to its unwavering commitment to upholding integrity and accountability, the Directorate on Corruption and Economic Crime (DCEC) has brought charges against a high-ranking public official in a multi-million Pula corruption scandal. Mr. Moses Mmileng Moreri, Assistant Accountant General, has been formally arraigned before the Regional Magistrate South, facing grave accusations that underscore the DCEC’s relentless pursuit of justice.
The DCEC’s meticulous and thorough investigation has ripped open a deeply troubling case, charging Moreri with the abuse of public office (Section 24A (1)) and a glaring conflict of interest (Section 31 (1) (b)) under the Corruption and Economic Crime Act. These serious charges highlight the DCEC’s robust and systematic approach to dismantling illicit networks and bringing those who betray public trust to account.
Between November and December 2023, the DCEC’s diligent work uncovered how Moreri, while serving as Assistant Accountant General-Systems Support within the Ministry of Finance, allegedly exploited his influential position. The allegations point to a scheme where Moreri is said to have secured a “valuable consideration” for the benefit of a personal friend, channelled through the friend’s company, Nexim (Pty) Ltd.
The scandal centres on the high-value tender MoF/POU/2/17/23-25, designated for the procurement of Oracle Supercluster (M7-8) Server Machines. The DCEC’s detailed findings suggest Moreri actively manipulated the tender process, allegedly influencing the outcome in favor of Nexim (Pty) Ltd. Crucially, he is accused of failing to disclose his significant personal interest—his friendship with the Nexim (Pty) Ltd Director—and instead, actively participating in the Ministry of Finance proceedings that ultimately awarded the contract to the company.
The financial repercussions of this alleged misconduct are staggering: Nexim (Pty) Ltd was awarded a contract worth a colossal Twelve Million Five Hundred and Twenty-Nine Thousand Five Hundred and Twenty-Six Pula and Five Thebe (P12,529,526.05). This figure starkly illustrates the potential cost of corruption to the nation and underscores the critical importance of the DCEC’s intervention.
The DCEC’s decisive action in this prominent case sends an unequivocal message: no one is above the law when it comes to corruption. This prosecution serves as a powerful deterrent, signalling that public servants, regardless of their position, will be held accountable for any manipulation of the system for personal gain. The DCEC remains steadfast in its mission, guided by the vital principle: “Resist, Reject, Report Corruption.” This case reaffirms the Directorate’s crucial role in safeguarding Botswana’s integrity and ensuring the ethical stewardship of public resources.
