MP wants full pay for suspended soldiers
Staff Writer | Tuesday April 4, 2017 17:12
“In 2008, Parliament enacted the Public Service Act. It took effect in 2010. One of the key provisions of the Act was the unionisation of the public service.
The other important Section dealt with indicted or suspended civil servants facing disciplinary charges; that they will be suspended on full payment. Previously, they were suspended with half salary,” he said.
Keorapetse said when the law was made, it was viewed as a welcome development because suspension with half pay or a portion of pay was in itself punishment and unjust. “It violated the principle of presumption of innocence until proven otherwise.
However, when the law was made, it left out disciplined forces who have their own Acts regulating them.
With these amendments, I seek to confer the advantage enjoyed by civil servants on soldiers, police officers and prison officers,” he said.
The legislator said the armed forces deserve to be on full pay whilst on suspension. “There shouldn’t be discrimination between the disciplined forces and civil servants.
This must be corrected. The Bills seek to correct this injustice.
I therefore encourage members to support and approve these Bill,” he said.
Meanwhile, the legislator also indicated that the amendment of Botswana Police Service Act and Prisons and Rehabilitation Act are long overdue.
Efforts to improve working conditions for armed forces, particularly on issues relating to their political and human rights have eluded previous ministers who fall under the ministry of State President.