Police Commissioner violates tobacco law-ATN :: Mmegi Online

Even before he could finish reading his letter of appointment,the new Commissioner of Botswana Police Service Keabetswe Makgophe has come under heavy scrutiny for 'receiving'a donation from the British American Tobacco Company at a meeting with the business community recently.

The Anti Tobacco Network (ATN) has labelled this a conflict of interest because it is contrary to the Control of Smoking Act and the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC).The law prohibits tobacco advertising, promotion, sponsorship, among otherr things. Furthermore, ATN says this is also contrary to the calls made by the Minister of Health, Dr John Seakgosing, during World No Tobacco Day on May 31. The minister called on Batswana not to receive any donations from the tobacco industry.

In a press release by ATN founder; Bontle Mbongwe, the organisation shames the Botswana Police Service (BPS) for violating the very law it is supposed to enforce and protect the safety and health of the nation.

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