DIS collapses Butterfly case

*DCEC takes charge

*Possible change of charge sheet looms

The Directorate on Corruption and Economic Crime (DCEC) has taken charge of disgraced Directorate of Intelligence and Security Services (DISS) agent, code name Butterfly’s criminal docket.

Highly placed sources have told this publication that the case was originally hijacked by the DIS from the DCEC but later hit a snag as investigations deepened.

Last week, the DCEC seized laptops and any material linked to the case, as investigations into the matter are likely to start afresh.

The suspended spy agent has been slapped with three criminal charges of financing terrorism linked to former spy chief, Isaac Kgosi, possession of unexplained property as well as false declaration of passports.

A new team led by experienced DCEC investigators has now taken over the matter; The Voice has been reliably informed.

Reached for comment, the DCEC mouthpiece refused to discuss the matter.

“Kindly note that I am unable to discuss the details of the issues you have raised due to the fact they boarder on operational matters of the DCEC,” said the organisation’s spokesperson

The Voice had sought to find out from the corruption-bursting organ if the latest developments meant that Butterfly’s charge sheet would be amended. This publication had also sought clarity on whether the latest development would also mean the DIS and some investigators would face any charges for an alleged offence of willfully telling an untruth under oath.

Butterfly, who is currently out on bail, is set to appear in court in August 2020. This is after the state asked to be given a later date to allow them ample time to complete investigations.

Reached for comment, the DIS spokesperson Edward Robert said that depending on the direction the particular case would take, lead roles may change.

Robert also said it was not unusual or out of the ordinary for the DCEC to visit DIS offices because the two offices engage from time to time.

“If the direction of the case calls for more more charges of economic crime to be added then naturally the DCEC would take over the case. I would like to categorically state that the two organs have been working as a team on the matter,” Robert explained.

“We provide with intelligence, which is then turned into evidence admissible before court. From time to time the organs meet to strategize on investigations. From the word go the DIS knew its mandate when it came to Maswabi’s case as guided by the DIS, there was no confusion as to who did what and how,” the DIS mouthpiece further said.