Speaking at the bilateral games between Botswana and Zambian Prison Services in Frnacistown on December 5, Justice Moroka said prisons and prisoners across the world were neglected and officers worked under trying circumstances and stressful working conditions and appealed to the officers to utilise the bilateral games to re-energise themselves.

He urged the visiting officers to also inquire about possibilities that Botswana presented in areas such as education and tourism. “While you are here, you may wish to know that Botswana has a growing and diversified educational sector, which presents opportunities to students across the continent,” he said.

Justice Moroka explained that among the growing list of educational institutions was the Botswana International University of Science and Technology (BUIST).

He noted that the destinies of Botswana and Zambia had been joined by the common interests and cultural similarities and the daily contact between the people in Chobe District and the people living in the southern region of Zambia.

Furthermore, he appreciated that the construction of the Kazungula Bridge will inevitably enhance movement between the two nations.

He said the growing trade and cultural exchange between the people of the two countries had resulted in some finding themselves either as victims or perpetrators of crimes while across the border.

“This creates a potential for each country’s nationals finding themselves in the prisons across the border and the time is now for the two countries to look at the policy on prisoner transfer,” said Justice Moroka.

The divisional commander-North, senior assistant commissioner Oageng Diseko said the games were not only about winning but about relationship building and also afford the officers from the two countries an opportunity to share ideas on how they can overcome their daily challenges.

Zambia’s Prisons director of sports and recreation, acting deputy commissioner Evaristo Kalonga said the idea of the games that came as a result of the Joint Permanent Commission on Defence, Justice and Security between the two nations, were about benchmarking, interaction and, fitness and well-being of the officers.

The Zambian’s southern region commanding officer assistant commissioner Davies Makayi thanked Botswana Prisons for hosting the games. He noted that sporting activities help promote alertness, flexibility in thinking and instills a sense of discipline among other things.

“Through this event, we are enhancing our bilateral interaction and effectively placing our prison services on a new developmental path aimed at enhancing our effectiveness in promoting public safety and ensuring compliance with international and continental protocols on the treatment of prisoners and management of our prisons,” said assistant commissioner Makayi. ENDS