28 Feb 2016

By Kabo Keaketswe 

 

President Lt Gen. Dr Seretse Khama Ian Khama on Saturday February 27 visited the Central Prison inmates as part of celebrating his birthday. 

President Khama said he just wanted to celebrate his special day with  prisoners and to share his birthday cake with them.

During the visit, some convicts had the opportunity to raise some issues that concerned them, while others pleaded with President Khama to pardon them, citing reform on their side. 

To some, it should that they were not forgotten and that they were also human to have the honour to share President Khama’s birthday. 

On the other hand, the issue of delayed trials was a concern among prisoners.

Many who had the opportunity to speak complained about the length of time it takes to stand trial. 

One inmate said it could take up to seven years in prison awaiting trial. 

He appealed to the President to ask the Chief Justice to visit prisons to address inmates about the issue and explain some of the issues delaying trials and bails. 

On another issue, the inmate pleaded with auhorities to allow them to apply for residential and business plots while still in prison.

Another female inmate commended the prison services for doing a good job, saying they were treated well despite the wrongs they had done. 

She, however, said they had dreams just like any other person, and pleaded with the government to sponsor those who had done well at BGCSE for tertiary education.

Furthermore, she said the Botswana Prison Services (BPS) was doing its best to help them further their studies, but that it was not enough due to lack of funds. ENDS