15 Oct 2019

The Francistown Bar Association has provided free legal counselling services to members of the Botswana Defence Force (BDF) on matters of their choice.

This came to the fore during a recent Francistown an event, which entailed testing, screening, free legal counselling and blood donation.

Speaking at the event, Justice Lot Moroka of Francistown High Court explained that professional legal advice was important in ensuring that one received a fair outcome and due compensation regardless of the area of law they were seeking a solution for.

He said the event, held under the theme: Concepts, Physical Wellbeing, Soul and Spiritual and Mental Wellbeing, augured well for the force and members of the society.

“I encourage the force to take advantage of this day to get information on legal issues and legal process as this will enable you to be law abiding citizens,” he said.

Chairperson of the Francistown Bar Association, Mr David Olatotse, described the organisation as a collective of Francistown-based lawyers who had the aim of giving back to the community by donating free legal services.

All lawyers operating in the northern part of the country participated in the noble gesture by donating free services and time, he said.

Mr Olatotse said the intension was to hold the event on an annual basis.

Meanwhile, centre manager for Legal Aid in Francistown, Mr Lesedi Seloka explained that the combination of a wellness day and free legal consultation as well as advice was a sign of compassion.

The event would go a long way in assisting the Francistown community in accessing legal services.

“We are grateful for such a gesture as private lawyers play a great role in the services we render as Legal Aid Botswana through pro bono work,” he said.

Mr Seloka further stated that the arrangement assisted law professionals with their daily workload.

“In our view, the rendering of legal aid to Batswana goes hand in hand with the principle of a fair trial and equal access to justice,” said Mr Seloka.ENDS