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When are we policing the police?

In May 2009, Gaborone resident John Kalafatis was shot execution-style by members of a Botswana Defence Force squad known as the Cobra. The Botswana High Court heard that the four killers, who received jail sentences ranging from four to 11 years, were on “loan” to the Directorate of Intelligence and Security (DIS).

After serving only a few months of their sentences, the soldiers were granted an unexplained presidential pardon by ex-president Ian Khama.

In 2012, John’s father, James Kalafatis, died after being savagely beaten and dumped behind the Sir Seretse Khama Barracks in Mogoditshane. John’s brother, Costa Kalafatis, was shot and wounded by policemen in December 2013, who alleged he was suspected of theft and was evading arrest.

Editor's Comment
Justice delayed is trust denied

Batswana who marched peacefully for 'Justice for Tshepi' demanded answers. They have now received a detailed account of police investigation and a promise that the file is with the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP). The real test is whether the state now keeps its word without further prodding. In his address, the minister asked the nation to trust the process. He spoke of rigour, not neglect, and pointed to 10 months of...

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