25 Feb 2015

The Administration of Justice budget amounting to P251.5 million was approved by Parliament on Tuesday, February 24.

The budget was proposed by Minister of Defence, Justice and Security, Mr Shaw Kgathi comprised P195 million recurrent estimates and P56.5 million development estimates for the 2015/2016 financial year.

In his debate, Lobatse MP, Mr Sadique Kebonang asked the ministry to improve security of magistrates.  He said their security was not up to standard which put their lives at risk of being attacked.

He said they should be provided with tight protection inside and outside court. He further asked that court bailiffs should be provided with sufficient transport to enable them to carry out their duties efficiently.

Gaborone Central MP, Mr Phenyo Butale, also spoke in support of the proposal.  He said he was worried by the manner in which high court judges were appointed.  He complained that recommendations of the Judicial Service Commission were ignored when the judges were appointed. 

The MP said judges appointments should follow recommendations of the Judicial Services Commission, otherwise it would appear like the judicial system lacked independence.

However, minister Kgathi said refuted allegations that recommendations of the Judicial Services Commission were disregarded when judges were appointed.

He also said his ministry had established seven stock theft courts around the country to speed up the hearing of stock theft cases. ENDS