Controversial Councillor for Borakalalo ward in Molepolole, Arafat
Khan has called off his star rally which was scheduled for next week
Tuesday.
Khan made the announcement yesterday when addressing
the media following his detention by the Directorate of Intelligence and
Security Services (DISS). “Since my phones have been taken I don’t
think it will be wise to contact my funders some of whom are from the
Botswana Democratic Party.”
He said that if he keeps in touch
with them it may compromise their security. “They also took my voters
roll which I bought from IEC and all my campaign materials are with
them. So it is difficult to work and we are just a few days from
elections,” the emotional Khan said and added that his arrest by the
security organ was done to distract and frustrate him.
He
revealed that before his arrest, he was informed by an insider that the
DIS had obtained a court order to listen to his phone conversations. “I
was told about their mission to tap my phone and I knew I was going to
get arrested.”
He however dismissed allegations that he was
involved in any drug dealings. “It is my first time to hear such
accusations,” he added.
Meanwhile Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) released a statement
confirming with regret the recent social media reports involving their
Tirelo Sechaba participant stationed in Molepolole who is under police
investigation for criminal conduct.
“The participant together with a certain politician were arrested for
colluding in exchanging confidential information from the Commission
without authority. He shared the confidential data form which has
voters’ names and their contact numbers. This form was developed prior
to the General Voter Registration and was administered during the
registration to assist us with following up voters for correction of
their details in the roll. The document is not a public document and
remains confidential,” the statement read in part.
The IEC further said in the statement that they condemn and do not
tolerate misconduct of any person engaged by the Commission who by
virtue of their engagement has access to confidential data.
“Any collusion with stakeholders in sharing sensitive and confidential
voters’ data is criminal and punishable. The voters have entrusted us to
protect their personal data and will not allow such data to be shared
publicly unless otherwise mandated by the law to do so.”
The Commission further said that the conclusion of the police
investigations will guide the action to be taken against the Tirelo
Sechaba participant.
