Parly rejects motion on judicial officers' 'security unit'
Pini Bothoko | Wednesday March 18, 2026 06:00
The motion, tabled by Kgatleng West MP, Unity Dow, proposed that government establish a dedicated arm or unit of the Botswana Police Service for the protection of judicial officers.
Presenting the motion, Dow argued that although security officers are currently deployed at courts, the protection offered is inadequate, considering the nature of cases handled by judicial officers. She noted that magistrates and judges often deal with sensitive and high-risk cases, which could expose them to danger.
Supporting the motion, Letlhakeng MP Brigadier Domcaza Mokgwathi said research indicates that many people in society are experiencing heightened frustration and anger, which could manifest in aggressive behaviour towards judicial officers.
“Dipatisiso di supa fa bontsi jwa batho ba sa iketla mo moweng. People are troubled and can no longer control their emotions. Our judiciary, especially magistrates and judges who sentence offenders, need some sort of protection at all times, even at home,” he said.
Mokgwathi further suggested that such a security unit could be created within existing security structures, adding that the Botswana Defence Force (BDF) could assist in training the officers tasked with protecting members of the judiciary.
Also supporting the security aspect of the motion, the Minister of Environment and Tourism, Wynter Mmolotsi, said judicial officers often preside over high-profile cases, including those that may result in capital punishment, making their safety a matter of concern.
However, Mmolotsi said the matter required broader consultation.
“I think the owner of this motion could engage with judicial officers and consult them because they are the ones who know what they want and what is best for them. Their security is very important because some of the cases they handle can pose danger to their lives,” he said.
Shashe West MP Jeremiah Frenzel also backed the motion, noting that there have been incidents where accused persons reacted violently in court, sometimes attempting to assault magistrates.
Similarly, Kgatleng East MP Mabuse Pule said judicial officers could also face threats outside their workplaces.
He argued that magistrates and judges may encounter individuals they previously sentenced whilst attending social gatherings such as weddings or parties, where tensions could arise if those individuals remain dissatisfied with past rulings.
Responding to the debate, the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services, Nelson Ramaotwana, said the safety of judicial officers is already under consideration following resolutions adopted during a recent judiciary conference held in Palapye.
Ramaotwana said an in-depth study on the protection of judicial officers, led by the Chief Justice Gaolapelwe Ketlogetswe, is currently underway and expected to be completed next month.
“An in-depth study led by the Chief Justice on the protection of judicial officers is ongoing, and its deadline is next month; as such, there is no need to adopt this motion,” Ramaotwana said.
Echoing the same position, the Minister of Child Welfare and Basic Education, Nono Kgafela-Mokoka, said there was no need for Parliament to adopt the motion since the judiciary itself was already addressing the issue.
In the final vote, 50 MPs participated. A total of 29 voted against the motion, 16 supported it, four abstained, whilst one MP did not vote, resulting in the motion being rejected.