05 Dec 2021

Compensation for members of the Botswana Defence Force who are injured in their line of duty is done in accordance with the provisions of the BDF Act.

Responding to a question in Parliament recently Minister of Defence, Justice and Security, Mr Kagiso Mmusi said injured members were assessed by a medical board in order to determine the rate of compensation in relation to the extent of injury and disability occasioned. He said the board would after assessment make a determination of the compensation and award a disability percentile to be used to calculate one’s compensation and disability pension upon separation from the BDF.

The minister noted that the eligible members of the Lesoma ambush were duly assessed and awarded workers compensation which was a one-time lump sum payment and then disability pensions upon separation as per the BDF Act Regulation 43 and Regulation 55 for other ranks and officers respectively. “The Lesoma survivors earned disability pensions on a monthly basis ranging from 20 per cent to 70 per cent depending on the extent of disability assessed,” said Mr Mmusi.

In addition, he said all members who separated from the BDF due to medical conditions attributable to service were offered continued medical care related to their injury or ailment. Takatokwane MP, Mr Tshoganetso Leuwe had asked if there were any plans to compensate surviving Lesoma war veterans who were injured during the 1978 military ambush.ENDS