Police officers and corruption

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Police corruption is a growing problem in Botswana today. An examination of a local newspaper or any police-related publication in an urban city during any given week would most likely have an article about a police officer caught committing some kind of corrupt act.

A most recent case is that of Mabutsane Police Station commander, Stephen Kebaitse who is on trial for corruption charges. He is appearing before Jwaneng Magistrates Court for allegedly embezzling over P60, 000 exhibits in a criminal matter. There are other police officers, charged in courts of law, for crimes they committed while in office.

In Botswana, police officers have complained of unsatisfactory pay which does not meet their daily needs. The officers, mostly from the traffic department are said to be the main perpetrators of corruption, as some demand bribes from motorists who have broken the law.

Editor's Comment
Prosecutors deserve better

These legal professionals, who are entrusted with upholding the rule of law, face numerous challenges that compromise their ability to effectively carry out their duties.Elsewhere in this edition, we carry a story on the lamentations of the officers of court.The prosecutors have raised a number of concerns, calling for urgent attention from all relevant stakeholders, including the President, Minister of Justice and the Attorney General. Their...

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