13 Feb 2018

Judges of the High Court do not share gowns or related apparel but when a judge resigns or retires from the bench, they leave behind their gown to be used by others, says the Minister of Defence, Justice and Security, Mr Shaw Kgathi.

He said it was critical to note that gowns for judges were official as opposed to personal issue items. The minister further said he was not aware of any judge who had ever approached traditional doctors to strengthen themselves or seek protection when performing official judicial duties.

The MP for Francistown East, Mr Buti Billy had asked the minister if he was aware of the acute shortage of robing gowns for judges of the High Court to the extent that judges shared them. MP Billy also wanted to know when the situation would be rectified, and whether the arrangement was healthy as some judges approached traditional doctors to strengthen them for protection whilst performing their duties. Ends