Tougher military rules sail through Parly

Thursday, December 14, 2017

Riot act read: The new Act raises penalties on sexual harassment and others

Legislators have approved amendments to the Botswana Defence Force (BDF) Act which will, amongst others, toughen rules around insulting the President, fighting, intoxication, swearing and sexual harassment.

Under the amended BDF Bill, BDF members will face jail terms for using ‘contemptuous language’ to the President, Cabinet ministers, Members of Parliament, and others. Soldiers will face jail terms for using provoking or ‘reproachful words or gestures’ to others, for fighting and quarrelling, not reporting those who challenge others to a fight, using obscene language to superiors and others.

The amendments provide for maximum sentences of two years after court martial for soldiers engaging in fraternisation.

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