'Poverty should not be barrier to justice'
20 Jan 2026
The launch of the Criminal Unit has been described as a defining moment in Botswana’s justice system, reinforcing the principle that access to justice must not be determined by one’s financial status.
Speaking at the launch of the Legal Aid Botswana criminal unit launch on Tuesday, Chief Justice Gaolapelwe Ketlogetswe says poverty should never be a barrier to justice, noting that many indigent citizens are unable to access legal representation simply because they could not afford it.
“Poverty should not determine whether you are guilty or not. A person who does not have access to lawyers because they do not have money will not be able to call upon the Constitution to protect their liberty and other rights,” says Justice Ketlogetswe.
He states that the absence of legal representation poses serious risks to the justice system, including unnecessary delays and inefficiencies in court proceedings, an increased likelihood of appeals based on procedural unfairness, the undermining of public confidence in the courts and the overburdening of judicial officers who are often forced to compensate for unrepresented litigants.
“Therefore, the establishment of the Criminal Unit is a critical step towards promoting fairness, efficiency and equal access to justice for all Batswana,” he says. ENDS
Source : BOPA
Author : Taboka Ngwako
Location : Gaborone
Event : conference
Date : 20 Jan 2026
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