Let's find solution as nation

The Monitor Editor | Tuesday March 1, 2022 06:00

On Wednesday, law enforcement organs gunned down 10 robbery suspects following a cash-in-transit heist that occurred at the Bank of Baroda, Main Mall branch.

The deadly incident was met with mixed reactions from members of the public, with some celebrating and ululating, calling for law enforcement to continue with the killings, while others were furious with the law enforcement officers labelling the killing ‘a massacre’ and ‘murder’.

Many people argued that law enforcement officers were carrying out instructions given by defence minister, Kagiso Mmusi, to clean the streets. It is common knowledge that Batswana are living in fear nowadays. Thugs have taken over the streets and most of them are very ruthless.

On Sunday, one of the alleged criminals, who in the commissioning of a crime are usually ready to kill to get valuables from their target, was laid to rest in Ramotswa. Sadly, not many of the human rights activists have come out furiously to condemn the thugs. Some people were very quick to criticise law enforcement for killing the 10 ‘robbers’ citing human rights and presumption of innocence principle that is every person who commits a crime is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

The debate is crucial and healthy for a democracy, but only when it is done constructively. Most people were laying criticism wearing their partisan hats, and some even went to the extent of trying to force people to regard their assumptions as of the gospel truth.

Respect for the rule of law is fundamental to ensure human dignity. Law enforcement agencies are there to protect each and every citizen, and of course, even those who commit crimes deserve to be given their day in court, but scenarios differ.

According to the initial press statement released by the Botswana Police Service, the robbers were exchanging gunfire with law enforcement, but ‘social media analysts’ have their version! For us, to move forward the society needs to come together and discuss these issues openly and transparently, putting aside political affiliations. We need to reclaim our streets and get our beautiful country back to its glory days.

So, rather than offering simplistic views that people are committing violent crimes because they are hungry or because they can’t find jobs, let’s do proper research. It is far fetched for someone who is stealing because they are hungry to target cash-in-transit vehicles transporting millions of pula. After all, that approach simply looks like a ‘get rich quick scheme’.

Some of these thugs are not necessarily looking for jobs because they are used to quick cash. We need a long-lasting solution soon that will not result in more bloodshed. Our law enforcement officers’ lives also matter and depend on this much-needed robust engagement!