10 Apr 2022

The Botswana Prison Service staff complement has grown by 91 following the completion of a nine-months training course by recruits.

Addressing the graduates during a passing out parade at Prison Staff College in Mahalapye on Friday, Minister of Defence, Justice and Security Mr Kagiso Mmusi commended them for their perseverance.

He noted that the graduates had to contend with successive COVID-19 waves, resulting in them losing weeks of training time.

Dr Masisi said in spite of the setbacks, the graduates endured nine months of separation from family and loved ones to successfully complete the programme.

"Today you join a group of Batswana who have elected to serve as champions of reforming lives to give hope to the hopeless citizens of your country and in the same vein ensuring public security," he said.

Mr Mmusi commended all instructors and support staff for coaching, mentoring and moulding the graduates into well-rounded prison officers.

For her part, Botswana Prison Service commissioner, Ms Dinah Marathe explained that the course  comprised academic, physical and field work components.

Amongst the graduates were engineers, counsellors, lawyers, health professionals and support staff, she stated.The 79 male and 12 female graduates were thanked for donating three bus rank shelters worth P200 000 to Mahalapye Sub-District Council.

Expressing appreciation for the donation, Mahalapye West legislator, Mr David Tshere said the shelters would help protect passengers from harsh weather conditions whilst waiting for public transport.

A total of 13 top-achievers were recognised during the ceremony.ENDS