14 May 2017

President Lt Gen. Dr Seretse Khama Ian Khama on May 13 awarded medals to 146 prison officers.
The President had joined hundreds of Batswana who thronged Mahalapye Prisons Staff College to celebrate Botswana Prisons’ 59 years of existence in Mahalapye.
Activities of the day began with the the President inspecting the guard of honour, followed by a parade by the marches past in slow and quick time led by Senior Superintendent Galefele Smith.

He then bestowed medals on prison officers among them Senior Assistant Commissioners Taduma Christmas and Oageng Diseko, who were conferred with the Botswana Prisons Service Medal for meritorious service with an exemplary record of at least 30 years of continuous service together with other 25 officers.
Another batch of officers was awarded with the Jubilee Service medal for good service record of at least 25 years continuously with good service record while others were awarded for at least 18 years of continuous service and good conduct.
This year’s theme was Ten years of our transformational journey. The event was graced by the Vice President, Mr Mokgweetsi Masisi, members of the diplomatic corps, cabinet ministers, the third president of Botswana, Mr Festus Mogae and other dignitaries.

There was ample entertainment by different groups such as Prisons Band, which was led by the people’s favourite, Assistant Superintendent Rebaone Koko also known as ‘Chicken Spice’.
The crowd was also treated to wonderful performances of different dance genres from polka dance, break dance, pantsula jive, borankana to Indian dance.
There were also roller skaters and bikers from Gaborone Bikers Club, who fascinated the crowd. 

Tug of war tussle was between Botswana Police Service and the Botswana Prison Services ladies and the Botswana Prison Service won to prove that it was indeed their day.
Imprisonment was first introduced in Botswana as 1885, the year in which Botswana became a British Protectorate.
There were no prison officers and native prisoners were put under the custody of police officers.

In 1958, all prisons around the country were brought together to form Botswana Prisons Service, hence the 59th anniversary.
The service is mandated with safe custody, humane treatment, training and rehabilitation of offenders until they are lawfully released. ENDS