31 Jul 2014

The Minister of Defence, Justice and Security, Mr Dikgakgamatso Seretse has requested Parliament to make two amendments to the Counter-Terrorism Bill before being enacted into law.


The objective of the bill is to provide for measures to prevent and combat terrorism, terrorism offences, financing of terrorism with the incorporation of offences provided in the Conventions and Protocols related to the prevention and suppression of terrorism of which Botswana is signatory to 12 and 18 conventions and protocols.


Mr Dikgakgamatso Seretse pleaded with the House to amend clause 25 1(b), the subsection states that “A person who, knowing or having reasonable cause to suspect that an investigating officer is conducting an investigation under this Act, which person interferes with anything which is likely to be relevant to investigation commits an offence and is liable to a fine not exceeding P80 000 or to an imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years or to both. 
Mr Seretse asked for P80 000 and two years to be substituted with P150 000 and five years respectively.

The last amendment for the 46 clause Bill was at clause 27 subsection 3 which states, “A person who disclosed any classified information without authorisation, in a trial held in accordance with paragraph (a) commits an offence and is liable to a fine not exceeding P80 000 or to an imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years or to both.


He asked for P80 000 and two years to be substituted with P150 000 and five years respectively. Parliament rejected a proposal by Maun West MP Mr Tawana Moremi who had requested an amendment at section 15.

The Maun West legislator said the 30 days detainment period was way too long in view of the fact that the investigating officer would be arresting without a warrant.
 ENDS