The Ministry of Information, Communications, Science, Technology and Innovation (MICSTI) together with relevant stakeholders and civil society held a discussion on the Computer Crime and Security Bill 2023 at Manthabiseng Convention Centre in Maseru on Thursday.
The Minister of Information, Communications, Science, Technology and Innovation, Ms. Nthtati Moorosi said once the bill has been passed in Parliament, there will be public awareness and education about the bill in different districts countrywide.
Ms. Moorosi said this law protects the country and Basotho from cyber criminals and attacks that can harm them.
She said without the Computer Crime and Security Bill, investors become reluctant to invest in the country, saying some investors stressed that they will not invest in a country that does not have a Computer Crime and Security as their business deals more with technology.
She said through this meeting, she has learned that the usage of words causes misunderstanding that delays the passing of this bill, noting that she gives relevant stakeholders time to go back and make a glossary of terms they do not understand.
The Chief Legal Officer in the Ministry of Information, Communications, Science, Technology and Innovation, Mrs. Makamohelo Mofilikoane said the bill is focused on cyber-crime which she said refers to illegal activities performed via the internet.
She added that the bill must be passed to fight cybercrimes, noting that Lesotho is part of the international community hence when drafting this law, they should align themselves with international laws to meet the international conventions.
She further said Southern Africa Development Communities (SADC) countries have agreed on a model law to implement a cyber-bill and Lesotho was part of the agreement, however, said there are concerns that Lesotho is the only country that has not passed this law
Mrs. Mofilikoane stressed that without this bill no law can protect the victims of cybercrimes.
However, the media sector said some of the clauses are in favour of the government because they prevent freedom of speech.
The National Director of MISA Lesotho, Mr. Lekhetho Ntsukunyane said they foresee some clauses in this bill are against freedom of speech as well as free journalism.
The bill provides offences relating to the misuse of electronic communication devices and networks, the jurisdiction and powers of investigation, search, access and seizure as well as collection of evidence in respect of computer crime.
The dialogue follows the withdrawal of the bill in Parliament by the Minister.
By Staff Reporter: Noliwe Velaphe
