19 Mar 2018

President Lt Gen. Dr Seretse Khama Ian Khama has ordered remission sentences of 578 serving prisoners in all prisons across in the country.

During a short yet emotional ceremony at Gaborone State Prison yesterday, President Khama, who will be leaving office end of this month, warned remission beneficiaries against committing crime while in the society because they risked being sent back to prison to complete their sentences.     

He noted that he had been extending the same gesture over the years, but was disturbed by those who failed to abide by the law while outside prison captivity. President Khama said in 2008 at least 2 800 serving prisoners were pardoned, but 37 of them were readmitted into prison because they re-offended.

However, with the 2016 remission, he said, none of the 537 former inmates re-offended and therefore called on the prisoners to emulate them and stay true to the society. 

The President  applauded the Commissioner of Prison Service and Rehabilitation, Mr Silas Motlalekgosi for upgrading the standard and the face of prison in general.

He further applauded the prison service for their marvelous and meticulous Prisons Day held annually in Mahalapye and prayed that he continued to be invited even after leaving the office.   

Commissioner Motlalekgosi said for the past years President Khama had been giving prison service unwavering support by visiting prisons around the country. He also noted that there had been improvement in terms of resources allocated to the department, noting that new Prisons Act would help them to deliver on their mandate.

Mr Motlalekgosi also noted that the timely remission would help create accommodation space in prisons.

Meanwhile, Attorney General Advocate Abraham Keetshabe explained the conditions of remission, noting that it usually took some time for foreign inmates who have been extended the same gesture to be deported back home and in this regard asked for their indulgence.    

One of the recipients of the remission, Mr Fred Mabe thanked President Khama for his love and tolerance, noting that he was looking forward to reintegrating into the society. Mr Mabe, who is an elderly, lamented that prison facilities were full of unruly youth who do not care to listen to them when they give word of advice.

He therefore advocated for a thorough horse whipping of the youth instead of sending them to jail so that they could go back to their studies and make a living for themselves.  

Giving a vote of thanks, Minister of Defence, Justice and Security, Mr Shaw Kgathi said the remission sentences would result with immediate release of some, while some would have their sentences reduced. He explained that the prerogative of mercy in this regard remained the discretion of the President, adding that he had once more demonstrated the noble gesture. ENDS