22 Jun 2025

Minister of Justice and Correctional Services, Mr Nelson Ramaotwana says lack of adequate staff leads to backlog of cases.

He conceded to this challenge when addressing Good Hope District councillors on Thursday during a special full council session.

The minister pointed out that judges and magistrates were handling a high number of cases, more than they should.

He cited that the stock theft prosecutor for the Southern part covers cases from Lobatse to as far as Tsabong, 

He divulged that it was for such reasons that in most instances cases took some time to be concluded. 

As a mitigating factor, he said government had since roped in police officers to help with prosecution duties to try and speed up trials.

The Minister further urged councillors to encourage residents to work closely with law enforcement officers, as the police and Botswana Defence Force officers could not win against crime alone. 

By doing so, he said law enforcement units would be able to carry out their duties diligently.

For their part, councillors said even though they were aware that the economy was ailing, something must be done to arrest the situation of shortage or personnel.

Specially elected councillor, Mr Ketlhogile Keipeile said it was high time government reviewed the bail Act. 

He opined that since the prosecutors and judges were overwhelmed by the work load, a bail fee should be charged looking at the value of the property stolen or the gravity of the offense saying it could minimise crime volume.

He was of the view that if someone stole a certain number of animals, one must be asked to pay the money equivalent to the value of the animals stolen for bail.

Some councillors said thieves seem to be having more rights than victims, a situation they said was worrisome. ENDS