09 Apr 2019

Salary grades for special constables have improved from salary scale A3 to B5 effective April 1 in recognition of their valuable contribution to policing.

Answering a parliamentary question on April 8, Minister of Defence, Justice and Security Mr Shaw Kgathi said it was true that some special constables had been serving in the Botswana Police Service for a cumulative period of 10 years.

However, Mr Kgathi noted that special constables were employed on a two-year fixed term contract and once the contract had come to an end they were paid their terminal benefits and it would be entirely upon the individual officer to apply for a new contract and where circumstances permit, such individuals were re-employed on a further tour.

The minister said he was not aware of any special constable who had lost on their future as a result of their contract with the Botswana Police Service.

"Just like in any other gainful employment, they have the right to terminate their contract if they wish to pursue other career opportunities," he said.

Mr Kgathi said the employment of special constable was regulated under the Police Act and there was no provision in the Act for automatic absorption of special constables after their two-year service.

However, he said special constables were periodically given an opportunity to join the service as police recruit constables on the basis of them meeting police entry requirements.

Mr Kgathi stated that at the end of December 2018, there were 3 354 special constables who had been absorbed into the service.

MP for Francistown West, Mr Ignatius Moswaane had asked the minister if he was aware of the alleged exploitation of special constables by the government, and why some special constables had remained in the same post for 10 years.

Mr Moswaane also wanted to know if the minister was aware that special constables were losing out on their future when they remained in the same post for long while serving the nation.

Further, Francistown West legislator asked why special constables were not absorbed into the Botswana Police Service permanently after two years of continuous service. ENDS