14 Apr 2016

Illegal handling and use of explosives in Botswana is worrisome, according to department of mines director, Mr Gabotshwarege Tshekiso.

Speaking during a workshop on the Explosives Act in Gaborone on Wednesday, he stated that a proposal had been made for penalties for illegal possession of explosives to be stiffened.

He said they did not approve of people to handle explosives without a license and no experience in mining, adding that appropriate measures should be taken before dealing with explosives.

“We don’t want explosives to fall in the wrong hands hence every user has to be authorised because criminals use these explosives in illegal activities.”

Mr Tshekiso stated that penalties and fines for illegal handling of explosives were low because they ranged below P200.

He further highlighted that fireworks were dangerous as they could cause injuries and in worse cases death stating that their department was working with Botswana Police Service to sensitise the public in the use and dangers of fireworks.

He indicated that everyone who used fireworks should obtain a license.

He said shops that sold fireworks were also required to obtain a license to sell them.

Chief iinspectorate of explosives, Mr Rahul Borha, said it was necessary to engage stakeholders input in trying to address challenges to close the grey areas in explosives.

He stated that in the amendment of the act, they had proposed that a person who negligently caused death through handling of explosives would be charged not less than P20 000 and not exceeding P30 000 or imprisonment not less than five years.

Mr Borha highlighted that they had also proposed that any person found in possession of explosives with the intention to commit a serious offence would face an imprisonment not less than 10 years and not exceeding 15 years.

He said the Explosives Act did not have provisions for the exportation of explosives and explosives transiting through Botswana, adding that it was necessary to make provisions in the regulations for the exportation of explosives to ensure they were safely handled for public safety.

“Explosives are frequently used in breaking saves in business premises and ATM’s and to deal with this challenge it would be prudent to strengthen the provisions of penalties which may deter such offences in the Act.” ENDS