Prisons grapples with balancing rights, rehabilitation

Critics argue that denying prisoners some basic rights perpetuates cycles of violence, habitual relapse into crime and impacts negatively on their overall rehabilitation. They advocate for a more progressive approach that prioritises robust rehabilitation programs and the seamless reintegration of inmates into society.

However, the Botswana Prison Service (BPS) outgoing Commissioner Dinah Marathe has reiterated that it is impossible for Botswana to allow prisoners to retain some of their basic rights. Marathe emphasises the necessity of denying certain privileges to maintain accountability and proper policing in prisons.