10 Aug 2016

The Minister of Defence, Justice and Security, Mr Shaw Kgathi has appealed to Batswana, in particular leaders such as legislators to play a positive role in ensuring that public order is maintained and law enforcement agencies are able to  execute their duties under the law without hindrance, fear or intimidation.
He made an appeal in a statement he issued to Parliament on Tuesday in the wake of events that occurred outside the National Assembly on Monday.
Some people gathered for protest against unemployment.
“The government of Botswana wishes to express its serious concern about the events that occurred outside the National Assembly on Monday, where some individuals conducted themselves in a manner that had the effect of undermining public order,” he said. He said although police investigations were ongoing, he considered it appropriate as the minister responsible for public order and law enforcement to share his concerns with MPs, with a view to soliciting their assistance in this regard.
Mr Kgathi said the right to freedom of assembly and association as enshrined in the Constitution of Botswana was subject to certain limitations such as laws regulating public order and safety.
To this end, he said, a number of laws had been enacted with a view to maintaining public order, such as some sections of the Penal Code dealing with unlawful assemblies, riots and other offences against public tranquility.
Similarly, he said the Public Order Act, CAP 22:02 was intended to regulate and control public meetings and public processions, by, among others, giving the police powers, in section four, to take steps to ensure the preservation of public order.
Mr Kgathi said “these legal provisions and their implementation by various government agencies have served the country well, and ensured that Batswana enjoy peace and stability for which Botswana has been recognised and commended for internationally.”
Mr Kgathi said legislators must lead by example and not seen to be doing anything that directly or indirectly undermine the law, or encourage members of the public to do so.
“In particular, Standing Order 35 of this House provides a clear procedure for presentation of petitions, and this, and other Standing Orders, must be adhered to if we are not to descend into disorder and anarchy,” he said. ENDS