20 Jul 2017

1.    The Ministry of Defence, Justice and Security wishes to express its regret and disappointment at the incidents of violence and destruction to Government and private property, as well as injuries to some individuals at the BMD Congress over the President’s Day weekend.

2.    This type of behaviour is a sharp deviation from the culture of tolerance that Batswana are renowned for globally. It goes against everything we stand for as a nation and should never be celebrated by anyone. What transpired over the weekend has the potential to degenerate this country into a state of anarchy and political hooliganism that we have witnessed elsewhere in the world. This should be condemned by the peace loving citizens of this country. Therefore, as political leaders across all the political divide, we owe it to the generations to come by giving appropriate guidance on the manner in which we handle any complex situation hence our rich Setswana adage that says ‘NTWA KGOLO KE YA MOLOMO.’

3.    It is regrettable, unfortunate and unacceptable, that an organisation that should provide mediation and leadership failed the test of integrity and responsibility.

4.    The Ministry was obligated to ensure that the public and all public institutions and property are safe as mandated by the law, so our police officers were deployed to the scene following assessment of the situation. Their intervention at a situation that had already turned violet prevented further chaos and possible loss of life. The residents of Bobonong were traumatised by the incident over the weekend. The BMD leadership owes Batswana, families of all those who sustained injuries and the people of Bobonong in particular an apology. However, Madam Speaker, we therefore would like to commend the Botswana Police for their swift action and high level of professionalism in dealing with such a tense and unpredictable situation.

5.    We would once again like to reassure the public that the Ministry places priority on the safety and security of all citizens, residents and property will continue to do so in all circumstances that call for proactive intervention without fear and favour. It is the responsibility of all of us to ensure that this country maintains the peace, tranquillity and stability it has become famous of over the years by shunning incidents of this nature. I thank you, Madam Speaker.
By Hon. Shaw Kgathi - Minister of Defence, Justice and Security.