Defence ministry, Police in escort motorbikes tender row
The Ministry of Defence and Security together with Botswana Police Service (BPS) find themselves entangled in an alleged corruption activity regarding the procurement of Escort Motorcycles.
Botswana Guardian has established that the ministry and the police have been reported to the Directorate on Corruption and Economic Crime (DCEC) for investigation and possible prosecution of those involved in corruption activities that led to the tender being awarded to an unqualified contractor or bidder.
Sources have revealed that a report has been lodged with DCEC for Tender No: DS/POL 029/2023-2024/SUP, which involves the Supply and Delivery of Escort Motorcycles to the Botswana Police Service. It is alleged that there have been glaring irregularities in the handling of the tender process in favour of Brilliant Concepts Pty Ltd for P17, 622, 313.80 which can only be justified by corruption.
Documents seen by this publication allege that Brilliant Concepts Pty Ltd, the awarded company, was given a direct appointment on 17th May 2023, despite the fact that they only acquired the required code (Code 208 - Transport Equipment & Accessories, Sub-Code 09 - Motorcycles and Quad Bikes) on 24th May 2023.
It is argued that approving a direct appointment to a company that did not even possess the necessary code at the time of the appointment is a clear case of corruption.
A whistle-blower letter written to the DCEC Director General seen by Botswana Guardian says it is crucial to note that Brilliant Concepts Pty Ltd has no previous business history with the Botswana government.
The selection of this particular company over others, without any apparent justification, is said to have raised questions about the impartiality of the tender evaluation.
“The lack of transparency regarding the selection process contributes to my belief that corruption is at play. Moreover, it appears that the awarding of the tender to Brilliant Concepts breaches Regulation 14(1) and Regulation 20 of the Procurement Act.
“There was no apparent emergency situation to warrant a direct appointment, unless it was artificially created solely for this procurement. Additionally, it is evident that Brilliant Concepts is not the sole provider of escort motorcycles in Botswana, nor is the company engaged in an existing contract for the same goods by the same client at the same site,” a letter written to DCEC dated 10th August 2023, reads.
The whistle-blower continues to allege that furthermore, Brilliant Concepts Pty Ltd is a mere shelf company operating from a home address in Phase 4 in Gaborone. It is said to have no legitimate office or any significant presence in the business landscape. There is also fears that this alarming revelation could mean the company is serving as a front for unscrupulous procurement officials within the Ministry of Defence and Security.
“Brilliant Concepts Pty Ltd did not even participate in the previous tender for Escort Motorcycles (Tender No: DJS/MTC/POL 058/2021-2022). The previous tender required companies to have full-fledged workshops to service the vehicles, and reputable companies like Suzuki Botswana, Yamaha, Commercial Motors, and BL Motor Cycles were invited to participate.
“It is baffling how a shelf company like Brilliant Concepts, which lacks an established workshop and did not even participate in the previous tender, could be granted a direct appointment in the current procurement process.”
It has since emerged that this matter was previously reported to the Accounting Officer (Permanent Secretary in the defence ministry) who is responsible for overseeing the tender process but unfortunately concerns raised were not addressed.
Corruption is said to be deeply entrenched in the procurement process at the Ministry of Defence and Security and some of its departments like the police.
A letter written to the PS dated June 5th 2023 by one of the bidders pointed out that the absence of a competitive bidding process raises concerns about favouritism and the potential mismanagement of public funds, which is disheartening to witness.
“The citizens of Botswana deserve to have confidence in the integrity of their public institutions and the fair allocation of resources. I kindly ask you take immediate action to address these concerns, rectify any potential lapses in the procurement process and hold those responsible accountable for their action.
“It is essential to demonstrate a commitment to good governance and reinforce the principle that public procurement should be allocated based on merit rather than personal interest,” the bidder wrote to the PS.
The selection process integrity has been questioned with the practices said to be undermining the principles of fairness and accountability that should govern public procurement.
The letter to the DCEC further reads “Moreover, I would like to emphasise that this procurement is not for a small amount. The contract value amounts to P17, 622, 313.80 Pula, a substantial sum of public funds that demands utmost transparency and accountability in its allocation.
“In light of the above irregularities, I respectfully urge the Directorate on Corruption and Economic Crime to conduct a thorough investigation into this matter. I trust that the DCEC will handle this complaint with the utmost confidentiality and impartiality”.
At Press time, DCEC Public Relations Manager, Lentswe Motshoganetsi had not responded to our questionnaire.