NEWS > 22 December 2005

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Mmegi - Gaberones, Botswana
22 December 2005

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Police refute corruption claim

The head of Public Relations Unit at the Botswana Police Service, Senior Superintendent Solomon Mantswe, says more than 99 percent of the Botswana police officers respect the rule of law as enshrined in our constitution.

Mantswe was responding to allegations of corruption and inhuman treatment levelled at police officers by Zimbabweans residing in Botswana behind the Grand Palm Hotel. The area is commonly known as Maipaahela Block V. Mantswe appealed to the Zimbabwean community not to be afraid to bring their grievances forward. "Our offices are open, from the commissioner downwards. If you believe that your rights have been violated see a senior officer at that station.

"If you still feel aggrieved, go up until you reach the Commissioner of the Botswana Police Service," Mantswe advised the Zimbabweans who revealed that they fear Botswana police officers. In their allegations, the Zimbabweans labelled the Mogoditshane Police Station (MPS) as the worst in Gaborone and the surrounding areas.

The Station Commander of MPS, Gibson Nthoiwa, said they have a programme in place to take care of people who are in their cells.

"Every morning a senior officer at the rank of assistant senior superintendent (ASP) assesses the conditions of inmates. The officer speaks to them about their individual health, feeding and other concerns. We also have regular officers manning the cells". Nthoiwa said he learnt of alleged police abuse of Zimbabwean illegal immigrants in the press. In the case where there is an allegation that an officer kept money intended for an inmate, Nthoiwa said it was true and they are still investigating the case. "That man said he gave the money to one of our officers, whom he identified. But it is a difficult case since there is no backing evidence. It was a one to one exchange with no witnesses.

"We have not closed the case but chances are that it will be closed. It gives us a headache as it is a difficult case to prosecute when there is no evidence".

Nthoiwa advised that whenever something is brought to an inmate, it should be recorded in their books. "Normally we do not want to receive things, especially money that is brought to an inmate. But in case that happens, we seek the approval of the inmate to ascertain your identity and then we register it in our forms."

Nthoiwa said whatever the prisoner has when he is apprehended is given back when he is leaving the police station. "One of our core values is the respect for human rights; respecting, protecting and upholding the fundamental rights and freedoms of the individual.

"We act proactively and expose and prosecute them as you may be aware of the recent Ramotswa case. No officer will be tolerated when he commits a crime. This is the position of the organisation," he announced.

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Article sourced from

Mmegi - Gaberones, Botswana22 December 2005

Police refute corruption claim

EiP Comments:

Mmegi - Gaberones, Botswana
22 December 2005