Crime victims deserve real justice
Tuesday, October 31, 2017
Each day, via Btv and other media, Batswana witness violent criminals being paraded after capture, only for the same viewing audience to learn that the brazen, unrepentant and smug scoundrels are granted further bail. Just yesterday, a mob of suspects in violent robberies was shown on Btv, with the report noting that more than half of them were already on bail for other crimes, with others having two bails pending. Recently, two notorious armed robbers were nabbed in Block 7, only for Batswana to learn that they were both already out on multiple ‘bails’.
All these criminals have already vowed to apply for further bail because, as their lawyers note, being suspected of a crime is not a violation of previously granted bail conditions.
Whilst celebrating milestones in inclusivity, with notably P5 billion awarded to vulnerable groups, the report sounds a 'siren' on a dangerous and growing trend: the ballooning use of micro-procurement. That this method, designed for small-scale, efficient purchases, now accounts for a staggering 25% (P8 billion) of total procurement value is not a sign of agility, but a 'red flag'. The PPRA’s warning is unequivocal and must be...