16 Mar 2015

The Minister of Defence, Justice and Security, Mr Shaw Kgathi, says the welfare of members of the disciplinary forces is a top priority for government. 

Responding to comments made by MPs when debating his ministry budget on March 12 Minister Kgathi said his ministry was working on improving the conditions of service, welfare, accommodation and giving adequate resources to the Botswana Defence Force (BDF), Police and Prisons departments. 

He also said they were reviewing the BDF Act and Police Act and restructure them in order to address the challenges faced by the officers.  On the issue of private security companies, Mr Kgathi said they held a Security Pitso where a number of recommendations were made and would be implemented. 

He said one of the issues that was raised was late payment by government departments and ministries resulting with the companies paying their staff late.  However, there were yet some companies who failed to pay their employees and the minister said measures would be taken against the culprits. 

Another concern raised by the security companies was that a one year contract was not economically viable and he said the government would look into the issue.  It had since emerged that there are 3 800 registered security companies operating in the country. 

Minister Kgathi also said in July session he would table the regulations governing Special Constables. He said 300 former special constables would soon graduate and join the Botswana police.  The minister further said he had set up a Task Force to look into backlog of cases. 

Earlier in their debate, MPs called for improvement of welfare for officers and absorption of special constables into the police service as they have been working for a long time.  Mahalapye East MP, Ms Botlogile Tshireletso said female special constables should be allowed to have children and be given maternity leave. 

She said the same should also be extended to female soldiers adding no one should be castigated for falling in love within the army as love was natural.  MP Tshireletso said she was disturbed by reports that senior officers are not allowed to fall in love with their juniors. 

She also said people who fall prey to fraudsters on the pretext that their money would increase should also be imprisoned. Mochudi East MP, Mr Isaac Davids, requested an office for the police and BDF members stationed at Sikwane. 

He further said they do not have enough vehicles to patrol along the border with South Africa.  MP Davids also said the police should be given adequate resources and be appropriately paid. 

Ghanzi North MP Mr Noah Salakae said he wondered why the government purchased second hand equipment for the BDF adding he was concerned by reports that the helicopter that crashed killing police officers was not configured for night flights. 

He also called for construction of a police office in Ghanzi saying the one currently being used was too small and old as it was established over 50 years ago.  Letlhakeng/Lephephe MP Mr Liakat Kablay decried shortage of vehicles for police officers in his constituency saying only Letlhakeng police had vehicles which were also not adequate. 

He further said a number of police are not promoted.  MP Kablay also said he welcomed the training of convicts saying they are equipped with life skills which enable them to lead a normal life upon their release from prison. 

For his part, Gabane/Mmankgodi MP, Maj. Gen. Pius Mokgware said he was happy the minister would address welfare issues for members of the disciplinary forces saying members of the BDF have been complaining about the X-Factor. 

He said they work extended hours but are not given overtime allowances and also they are not afforded with good accommodation.  MP Mokgware said some have been in one rank without promotion for a long time hence the low morale. 

He said there are some officers engaged on 10-year contracts but they face delays in getting all that is due to them with some resorting to take the matter to the courts of justice.  This, the MP said, was an unwelcome development adding an unhappy security personnel were a threat to the country. 

He also said government should desist from purchasing second hand equipment as the BDF should be an agile army always ready to respond.  Nkange MP Edwin Batshu said since the police and BDF are not allowed to engage in trade unions, their concerns should be properly addressed. 

He also welcomed the employment of females as privates by the BDF and said special constables who have been employed for a long time have gained enough experience and therefore should be trained and absorbed into the police service. ENDS