While in many of the cases the suspects are brought before the courts of law, many others walk free. Even those who are brought to court still enjoy freedom because of bail and in most cases continue to commit further crimes.
As the Presidential Commission of Inquiry into the Constitutional Review continues to engage Batswana and stakeholders, we would like to highlight the urgent need for reforms in the law.
We have seen with events unfolding recently in the pursuit of finding little Tlotso Karema that our laws can be improved. We call on authorities to look into the issue of setting up a special unit dealing with the disappearance of people, ritual murders, and cold cases. There should be provisions in the law for traditional and spiritual leaders to be allowed to assist in a coordinated and regulated manner. Botswana is a secular state and all should be allowed to practice their beliefs as long as they do not harm others.
Barulaganye Aston was also allegedly brutally murdered by her husband and other suspects who include a traditional doctor. A precedence must be set to deter would-be murderers. It was shocking to have such an incident just when the country had stood with the Karema family. This proves that more is needed to remedy the situation.
The measures in place now have been there for a while and need some refreshing. Those who are dangerous to the general public should be kept away from innocent and law-abiding individuals. Bail laws need to be reviewed to ensure that communities do not live in fear of murderers who have nothing to lose.
Just like armed robberies, senseless killings of citizens seem to be increasing at alarming rates despite well-published arrests. This proves that there are inefficiencies that would ensure the safety of citizens. We call on you Mr President to speak to this and other social issues. Our children go missing and are later found dead. We cannot continue as if it is business as usual.
Fellow citizens desist by all means from engaging in such barbaric acts. Community members should look after one another and keep everyone safe. We call all those with information on various incidents to report to authorities. It is only through evidence that cases can be resolved successfully, but some people keep information to themselves. If there is a syndicate hungry for blood, it is time action is taken to stop the madness.
