the monitor

Apology not enough: Prosecute the persecutors

The humiliating court-ordered apology to be splashed across the world’s biggest newspapers and TV screens this week is more than just an embarrassment for Botswana.

It’s a stark, global advertisement of a shocking abuse of state power that must be answered for, not swept away with mere words.

Ambassador Bridgette Motsepe’s victory in forcing the government to publicly retract vile, fabricated allegations linking her to money-laundering and terrorism financing is a step towards justice. But let’s be clear: the government’s admission that investigator Jako Hubona’s sworn affidavit was entirely false and reckless isn’t the end. It’s the bare minimum start. To trumpet a "commitment to the rule of law" whilst those who weaponised the state against innocent citizens remain unpunished, is hollow indeed.

Editor's Comment
Depression is real; let's take care of our mental health

It is not uncommon in this part of the world for parents to actually punish their children when they show signs of depression associating it with issues of indiscipline, and as a result, the poor child will be lashed or given some kind of punishment. We have had many suicide cases in the country and sadly some of the cases included children and young adults. We need to start looking into issues of mental health with the seriousness it...

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