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.

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Editor's Comment
Prudence must remain Botswana’s North star

These are not ordinary times. Yet, history reminds us that this nation has navigated difficult waters before and did so by clinging firmly to the principles of prudence and macroeconomic stability. From independence in 1966, Botswana chose a path few resource-rich countries managed to sustain. Diamond revenues were not treated as windfalls for reckless expansion, but as capital to be managed with caution. The establishment of fiscal rules,...

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