02 Sep 2019

Deputy Commissioner of prisons, corporate services, Ms Keneilwe Bogosing, has encouraged senior warders to act responsibly when executing their mandate. 

Officiating at a graduation ceremony of a 12-week course for 109 senior warders at Prisons Staff College in Mahalapye recently, she stressed on displaying responsible behaviour in the society. 

“You must act better than before. Such training was meant to instill positive values as you are tasked with decision making,”said Ms Bogosing. 

She appealed to officers to continue enhancing their knowledge by enrolling for online courses. 

“Practice what you have learnt and guide your subordinates responsibly, she added. Ms Bogosing said the department used to experience challenges among them, inmates escaping from lawful custody and as such senior officers must up their game, account, act responsibly and professionally, if the department was to rise from such challenges.

The deputy commissioner also raised concerned of some officers who were financially challenged and advised officers that living beyond their means would impact negatively on their performance. 

She appealed to the officers to desist temptations of engaging in actions that could tarnish their image in the society, citing incidences of some officers caught driving without licenses and under the influence of alcohol, acts she said translate to lack of professionalism. 

“Consume alcohol responsibly, know when to say it’s enough,” she stressed. 

Ms Bogosing appealed to graduating warders to always be cognizance that there was life outside employment. 

She urged them to take advantage of available government schemes and prepare for life after retirement. 

She said mortgage schemes were available to purchase houses adding that SHAA also caters for housing projects at affordable monthly instalments.

The deputy commissioner also touched on HIV/AIDS scourge, and appealed to officers to actively play a role in preventing new HIV infections. ENDS