Police did the right thing, the wrong way

Risky business: The protestors were violently dispersed on Monday
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.

Editor's Comment
Public servants deserve better than union infighting

‘The strongest bond of human sympathy outside the family relation should be one uniting working people of all nations and tongues and kindreds’.- Abraham LincolnUntil then, the Council’s operations remain suspended, delaying critical decisions affecting thousands of public sector employees.The current standoff is between the Manual Workers Union on one side and the Six Cooperating Trade Unions, namely BONU, BOPEU, BTU, BDU, BOSETU and...

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