BDF disassociates itself from malicious letter

Correspondent | Tuesday April 4, 2017 15:49

As a matter of fact, the BDF would like to make it known that the author using the alias Lieutenant Godfrey Letsholo, is in no way affiliated to the BDF. Therefore, any reference to what he writes must never be construed to represent the BDF in any capacity. The author is representing his own views outside the BDF.

For the record, it is not in the space or interest of the BDF to comment or engage in political rhetoric. Batswana from all walks of life are at liberty to comment on anything that is related to this country to include the BDF.

Contrary to the contents of the letter, which paints an undesirable picture of the BDF as a military institution that is part of the country’s political discourse, the BDF wishes to inform Batswana that it is and has always been an apolitical organisation. The BDF has, and continues to ensure that its members are not involved in active participation in politics.

This principle is guided by provisions of Defence Force (Regular Force) (Officers) Regulations 75 and Regulation 62 (Other Ranks), which expressly prohibit active participation by members in politics. Any conduct that may be construed by the public as amounting to such actual or passive association is prohibited and punishable under the BDF Act CAP 21.05.

In addition, the BDF assures the public that it is an institution that respects the constitution of this land and as a result, it will always be subservient to civilian authority and Batswana in general.

 Officers in the BDF are well aware of what is expected of them in terms of their code of conduct. Having said that, it is very clear that the author is not who he purports to be judging by the contents of his letter.

The tone used by the author when referring to the Minister of Environment, Natural Resources Conservation and Tourism, Honourable Tshekedi Khama, is not consistent  with the BDF code of conduct.

We therefore, wish to assure the nation that the tone is not in any way a reflection of the conduct of the men and women who are proud to serve their country. Such utterances are indeed not only shocking by military terms, but also go against the spirit of ‘Botho’ which is held in high regard by both the BDF and Batswana.

The BDF high command wishes to inform Batswana that it has confidence in its members. The calibre of Commissioned Officers and Non-Commissioned Officers that serve this country will never risk losing the trust and confidence that the public has placed on them by engaging in anything that might otherwise tarnish the good image of their defence force.

The nation should therefore; rest assured that their Defence Force is a well-disciplined professional military establishment which knows its place within the democratic setup of the Republic of Botswana.

Thank you,

Fikani Machola

Lieutenant Colonel

Deputy Director, Protocol And Public Affairs Botswana Defence Force Headquarters