Police did the right thing, the wrong way

Friday, August 12, 2016

Risky business: The protestors were violently dispersed on Monday

Batswana were stunned this week when police sjamboked a group of youth who had gathered at the National Assembly to protest against unemployment directly to legislators. As the nation divides over the incident, Staff Writer, SHARON MATHALA looks at the debate over reasonable or excessive force

Did the decision by police officers on Monday, to blow a whistle and sjambok protestors amount to ‘forceful dispersal’ or police brutality?

In terms of the right to gather, the law is clear. For three or more people to gather at an open space with the intent to conduct a public meeting, they need to seek permission from the police.

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