We won’t bend Bangladeshi laws to save Molapise - Kwape
Mompati Tlhankane | Tuesday February 21, 2023 16:44
Speaking to the media today Kwape revealed that the government of Botswana delegation will soon visit Molapise to check whether her rights have not been violated.
“We don’t have power and authority over Bangladeshi laws same as we cannot let anyone to tell us how to run our country,” he said.
Kwape’s revelation comes after reports that the Botswana delegation will ask the government of Bangladesh to put death penalty off the table. Currently in Bangladesh, people face execution for a range of non-violent drug offences.
The Narcotics Control Act of 2018 mandates either the death penalty or life imprisonment for anyone convicted of committing a range of drug offences. Such crimes include trading or producing over 25 grams of heroin or cocaine.
On January 23, 2022, Molapise, a 30-year-old Motswana woman, was detained and arrested at the Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka, Bangladesh. After receiving an anonymous tip, the airport customs officials intercepted Molapise after she flew in from South Africa via Doha, Qatar.
When questioned, she reportedly denied having any illegal substances or items to declare. The airport officials proceeded to search her luggage and claimed to have found over 3kg of a heroin-like substance in her luggage.
Bangladeshi investigators have since concluded that Molapise currently awaiting trial in a Dhaka prison was not in the country to conduct legal business. Revealing how he came about to send a delegation to Bangladesh, Kwape said a Bangladeshi minister was in Botswana few weeks ago to discuss certain diplomatic relations issues because two countries are celebrating a 30-year relationship this year. He said in their conversation they agreed that Batswana and people holding diplomatic passports should not require a VISA to enter either country. Kwape said it was during this meeting where he took an opportunity to ask about Molapise and whether it was possible to arrange a eeting with her.
“I told him that we are concerned because we have never seen with our very own eyes if at all her rights are protected. I am happy that the minister managed to accept this proposal and promised that they will make sure that a Botswana foreign delegation near Bangladesh will have an opportunity to check on Molapise,” he further revealed. Kwape said yesterday that Botswana’s AU diplomat told him that they are getting ready to visit Molapise in Bangladesh so it is just a matter of time.