15 Sep 2022

The offenders’ re-integration programme calls for a mindset change in communities for a safe and smooth comeback into society upon release from custody.

The programme was introduced last year to reintegrate offenders into society.

Speaking at a community reintegration committees’ workshop in Francistown recently, Deputy Divisional Commander (North), Assistant Commissioner of Prisons, Mr Otlametse Motshebe said it was evident that the society did not fully embrace the society.

To this end, the prison services was reviewing the current re-integration process of ex-convicts in Botswana to identify challenges faced by ex-convicts following their release from prison.

The formation of community reintegration committees, he relayed, was one of the many ways that fostered social reintegration of ex-offenders within communities, so that the former offenders could lead positive, productive and meaningful lives free from crime and rejection.

The committees help create an enabling environment that allows for effective involvement of the community in the rehabilitation and reintegration of offenders.

“They also provide an opportunity for the establishment of networks and sustenance of partnerships between the prison services and the community,” he said.

Speaking about the functions of these committees, Assistant Superintendent Seremane Sikwane said the committees also existed to change for the better,  the behaviour of ex-convicts to be harmonious with the general expectations of society.

“The committees also facilitate offender/victim as well as family reconciliation,” he stated further.

For her part, Superintendent Maipelo Lofu informed participants that the committee would ensure that the objectives of the programme were followed to the letter.

All the activities carried out by the committees will be done in the best interest of the ex-offenders.   

“Reintegration and reconciliation is not just an event but a process that requires much time to be successful.

Participants, amongst them Dikgosi from different villages appreciated the programme.  

They were happy that the programme incorporated the ‘forgive and forget’ aspect and that it resonated well with President, Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi’s  Reset Agenda, which called for mindset change.

Kgosi Solomon Segopa of Matsiloje pledged traditional leaders support to make sure the initiative was a success. Ends