29 Aug 2021

Prison officers have been urged to serve with passion, honour and selflessness despite their work being one of the challenging professions. 

Speaking during a graduation ceremony of Cadet Class 1 of 2021 in Mahalapye on Thursday, Commissioner of prisons Ms Dinah Marathe said prison work was not easy as officers had to deal with those who wronged the society in many ways and were in prison against their will. 

The graduating class which consisted of 6 officers; 3 females and 3 males commenced training on June 14 and were advised to familiarise themselves with relevant statutes and international protocols that guide handling of prisoners. 

Ms Marathe cautioned them that moulding prisoner’s behaviour into law-abiding citizens was a tough assignment that required determination, utmost commitment and perseverance. However, she expressed confidence in the kind of training the officers had gone through, which she said had equipped them with the right attributes for the job. She further urged prison officers to ensure that all avenues leading to escape of prisoners were tightly closed, adding they had had some escapes. 

Ms Marathe said as prison officers performed their day-to-day duties, they should contribute to the Vision 2036 pillar on governance peace and security that compelled the Prison Service to actively participate in the fight against crime. Speaking at the same occasion Mahalapye Prisons College commandant and Senior Assistant Commissioner of Prisons Mr Sekano Sekano explained that due to COVID-19, training was done for three months instead of 6 months. 

He said the graduates included a lawyer, a senior nursing officer, two principal nurses and two pharmacy technicians. He said the graduates lost 3 weeks of training, but they were given time to cover for what they had lost. Mr Sekano said he had full confidence in the skills and knowledge imparted on the graduates and trusted they would execute their duties to the best of their abilities. ends