Tension heightens over Parley security

Goitsemodimo Kaelo | Thursday July 28, 2016 14:06

While the focus of this week’s heated debate was the introduction of the metal detector at Parliament, the issues of security has been a thorn since the vice president, Mokgweetsi Masisi announced a decision to beef up protocols. The VP announcement followed an incident in which MP for Mogoditshane, Sedirwa Kgoroba threw a bottle of water towards deputy speaker, Kagiso Molatlhegi.

During the question and answer session on Tuesday, the assistant minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Botlogile Tshireletso, informed the Speaker, Gladys Kokorwe, that she has witnessed some of opposition MPs refusing to go through the security checkpoint.

Tshireletso named among others Kanye South MP Abram Kesupile, Francistown South Wynter Mmolotsi and Kgoroba who by-passed the metal detector. The pronouncement led to a heated debate among MPs that lasted for close to 30 minutes.

“I want to know Madam Speaker whether it is procedural and orderly for MPs to refuse to be searched? This security is meant for us and it is a global practice but opposition MPs connived and came as a group to by-pass the security,” said Tshireletso.

Kokorwe said that it was wrong for MPs to refuse to be searched and warned that they should brace for increased security measures. Kokorwe said the issue had been agreed by all MPs at the General Assembly and she was just implementing what they had asked for.

To which, Kesupile asked the Speaker whether she was going to increase security without discussing it first with the MPs. Molepolole North MP Mahommed Khan said that he takes exception to security checks in Parliament because their residential places are in a “mess” whilst money is spent on things which are less important.

“I take exception to these security checks. We are spending money on this while our parliamentary flats are a mess,” said Khan.

Selebi Phikwe West MP Dithapelo Keorapetse confessed that he had refused to be searched. “I refused to be searched because I don’t know those people. Who are they? They are not putting on any uniform or wearing name tags so we know who they are,” Keorapetse said.

The ruling party MPs on the other hand seem happy with the new security measures.

The minister of Agriculture Patrick Ralotsia called on MPs to abide and go through the checkpoint.

He said that the issue of security should not be taken lightly as it is meant for the protection of the members. He cautioned those who by-pass the security to desist because it tampers with the emotions of the security agents who have been instructed to do their work. Minister of Defence, Justice and Security, Shaw Kgathi, said the Speaker does not owe anyone an explanation for increasing the security in Parliament. He said the safety and security of everyone who attends Parliament is the responsibility of the Speaker hence she should put more gadgets if she feels the need. He said that Botswana as part of the global village is doing what assemblies at the European parliament are practising.

“You are aware that at the EU parliament you are just searched in public. You cannot say you can’t be searched because your toilet is not flushing. What a lousy excuse!” exclaimed Kgathi.