21 Mar 2013

The Minister for Defence, Justice and Security Mr Dikgakgamatso Seretse says although they are functioning with limited resources, his ministry progressed well in its focused programme of amending and enacting over 20 pieces of legislation covering diverse areas falling under its mandate.

Briefing Parliament on the ministry’s performance during the 2012/2013 financial year, the minister noted that drafting of bills relating to numerous legislations such as the Police Act, the BDF Act, the Prisons Act, Proceeds and Instruments of Serious Crime and the Legal Aid, were ongoing.

 He further noted that in a bid to further strengthen collaboration with neighbouring countries, Botswana had hosted three bilateral Joint Permanent Commissions during the 2012/2013 financial year.

He said these meetings were important for furthering bilateral relations and facilitating the exchange of information on matters of mutual interest in the areas of defence and security, transnational crime, customs control, immigration and border control, anti-poaching, control of animal diseases, boundary affirmation and the rehabilitation of border fences and beacons.

Another milestone, he said, was Botswana’s participation in the meeting of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC) conference in the Hague in November 2012; a meeting at which he re-affirmed the country’s  commitment to the principles of the ICC.

On other issues, Minister Seretse said efforts to enhance and strengthen law enforcement processes were bearing fruit, citing a growth in strategic partnerships as evidenced by the remarkable interest in the police volunteer programme.

On challenges faced by the ministry, Mr Seretse said it was disheartening that reports of fraud and obtaining by false pretenses continued to grow, including the frequency of Batswana falling prey to conmen and other fraudsters.

On a positive note, he reported that the overcrowding in prisons had reduced significantly, which he attributed largely to the completion of a cell block in Maun with a holding capacity of 118.

In efforts to address challenges relating to prisoners escape from lawful custody, the minister informed parliament that effective strategies which included capacity building for officers, operational vigilance and accountability, and increased use of vehicles mounted with security devises for transport of prisoners, had been put in place.

With regard to the BDF, Minister Seretse said it continued to be a respected army in the region and beyond because of its history and culture of effective leadership and professionalism.ENDS