Okapi knife detected as Parly beefs security
Innocent Selatlhwa | Wednesday July 27, 2016 18:00
Opposition MPs have made comments of disapproval of the machine saying they were not consulted while their counterparts in the ruling party have embraced it.
Mochudi East legislator Isaac Davids would not go through the search point but headed straight to the chambers stating that he had no time to waste on the machine.
Ramotswa legislator, Samuel Rantuana, fuming with anger, said they should have been warned. “This is gross disrespect to us, I hate being disrespected this much, how can you make me undress in public, that is very wrong,” he said.
Gaborone Central legislator, Phenyo Butale questioned the procedure used to arrive at determining the security measures in place. “That is infringement of freedom of expression, we should also get our priorities right, we cannot be spending so much on that machine while we are faced with more serious problems,” he said. Francistown South legislator, Wynter Mmolotsi said Parliament is said to be broke and should deal with pertinent issues instead of purchasing metal detectors. “Right now we have staff shortage, roofs are leaking yet you choose to spend money on this expensive machine, we need to be serious,” he said.
Haskins Nkaigwa of Gaborone North, who is also the chairman of Members Rights and Privileges committee, expressed displeasure that the committee was not consulted. “Beefing up security is a welcome move, however I am disappointed that my committee was not involved,” he said.
Defence Justice and Security minister Shaw Kgathi on the other hand expressed delight at the new security measures. “I am very happy, I now feel free inside the House, there are no more bottles and glasses here anymore, it feels good to be safe,” he said.
In response, the Speaker of the National Assembly Gladys Kokorwe said what they were complaining about is nothing compared to what is in store for them.
Kokorwe would not allow the debate on the issue to continue stating that the MPs had themselves called for strengthening of security.
“You said you want security, now this is security and you are now complaining, this is not all of it, dikgolo di etla (more is coming),” she said.
Meanwhile, the security guards retained the Okapi until the end of Parliament proceedings. The move to beef up security came after Mogoditshane MP Sedirwa Kgoroba threw a bottle of water which hit Kgathi. Bottles are also not allowed inside the House and MPs are forced to drink water from disposable containers.