BPS is responsible for officer, inmate�s deaths
Mmegi Editor | Friday December 9, 2016 11:01
It has since emerged that Ntsuape, who is facing murder, attempted murder and arson charges had connived with the deceased inmate to escape from lawful custody. The question that remains unanswered is why the police opted to transport such a dangerous person in a minibus, a mode of transport exposing officers to direct contact with inmates and thus danger. Despite what the police bosses may claim, such an unwise decision has resulted in the loss of lives. Moreover, a danger posed to officers, has also been caused by the closeness of law enforces to inmates. Relationships with inmates can, and do lead to lapse in the processes, and negligence.
Botswana is a small country, where kinships and friendship connections are easily established. A chat with a stranger can easily reveal family connections. The population is so small that the mention of a surname triggers memories of a former classmate two or three decades ago, a neighbour, or workmate among others. Even a discussion of one’s village of origin has potential to bring strangers closer within minutes.
The aforementioned scenarios could be the reason why police officers, and prison warders among other public officers easily let their guard down, and compromise own safety. This is so especially when dealing with most dangerous criminals, or putting national security at risk. This is why we still have cases of smuggling of dangerous weapons, and drugs into prisons executed by relatives, and prison warders as well.
About four years ago, some inmates escaped from police when they attacked police officers who were sitting with them in a police van (with canopy) and were arrested later. They were being transported from Lobatse High Court to Gaborone. This incident should have taught the police a lesson to never trust inmates no matter how close they have become to them.
The two cases are just a fraction of what is happening in the police force. We therefore advise that the police should keep personal relationship far from their official duties and make clear line. Secondly, the authorities should avail more resources for the police service to enable them to transport inmates and suspects in separate vehicles. Such a step will ensure the safety on lives of our officers and make the career attractive for young people who have good qualifications. A purchase of one or two vehicles for each police station or policing district will not cause any harm to the police coffers since they make millions of pula from motorists.
Today’s thought
“It's about time law enforcement got as organised as organised crime.”
– Rudy Giuliani