BDP MPs cross swords over Kgathi�s Bill

Yesterday, during the general assembly, Minister Unity Dow told his colleagues that the provision is worth relooking. The debate follows Justice Abednego Tafa’s recent judgement that invalidated the appointments of some CoA Judges. Minister of Defence, Justice and Security, Kgathi, has gazetted the CoA Amendment Bill, whose object is to comply with the High Court decision. The Bill proposes that Section 4 of the CoA Act prescribe the number of Justices of Appeal to be 12.

Further, it proposes that the tenure of office of a Judge of the CoA be increased from 70 years to 80 years. Dow submitted that the increase would be unlawful. She said 70 years has to be the minimum. The former Judge also proposed that in future, Botswana should not have one Judge deciding on all Constitutional matters.