16 Feb 2021

The Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP) on Monday launched a Wildlife Crimes App dubbed Rapid Reference Guide. 

Speaking during the launch, DPP director Mr Stephen Tiroyakgosi said the App was meant to improve the quality of wildlife investigations and prosecutions.  

“As the criminal elements involved in committing crimes against our natural resources continue to devise new means of violating our laws, we as the entities responsible for the protection of our wildlife and natural resources, must continue to evolve in our efforts to meet the challenge,” he said.  

Mr Tiroyakgosi said the App  was a guide for prosecutors and investigators which included sample charges, best practice guidance and sentencing guidelines. 

He explained that DPP  worked with a team of South African consultants, Traffic in the development and setting up of the App. 

Traffic, he said, helped with an array of issues from training to consultation and finalising the App for Botswana from 2018 to 2020. 

He recommended the App to all prosecutors, investigators and members of the judiciary involved in the handling of wildlife crime in the hope that it would enhance the delivery of justice and help Botswana continue to hold its position as a leader in conservation and protection of wildlife. 

Mr Tiroyamodimo said currently the App was available only to government employees but would be unveiled to the general public in due course.

It was available on Android platforms and would soon be accessible in iStore podia, he said adding that  once downloaded into a mobile phone, it could work in the absence of a mobile network. ends