the monitor

Stop contraband in prisons!

Botswana's prisons are facing a critical issue with an increasing influx of contraband, including phones and drugs. Commissioner of the Botswana Prison Service, Dinah Marathe rightly points out the alarming rise in criminal activities within prison walls, and she attributes this, in part, to the lack of involvement by relatives and friends in the rehabilitation process.

Marathe's call for public assistance in rehabilitating prisoners is a call to action that cannot be ignored. The proposed integrated prison security solution is a commendable step in addressing the security challenges faced by the prison system. Yet, the success of such measures depends on collaborative efforts from all stakeholders.

The commissioner's revelation about the daily discovery of phones and drugs concealed in toiletries brought by visitors underscores the magnitude of the problem. It is disheartening that instead of supporting their incarcerated loved ones, some individuals contribute to their criminal activities. The prison environment should be one of rehabilitation, not a hub for criminal enterprises.


Editor's Comment
Human rights are sacred

It highlights the need to protect rights such as access to clean water, education, healthcare and freedom of expression.President Duma Boko, rightly honours past interventions from securing a dignified burial for Gaoberekwe Pitseng in the CKGR to promoting linguistic inclusion. Yet, they also expose a critical truth, that a nation cannot sustainably protect its people through ad hoc acts of compassion alone.It is time for both government and the...

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