19 Jun 2024

Video visitation, a new development by Botswana Prisons Service where families can check inmates remotely has been hailed as a good initiative that embraces technology.

Minister of Defence and Security, Mr Kagiso Mmusi appreciated the project after it was demonstrated to him at the Boys Prison in Gaborone. 

“The project will allow families to check on their loved ones even when they are incarcerated at facilities far away. This will also help save the families costs as it will cut on physical visits,” he said.

Mr Mmusi also said that the project was even more commendable as it was revealed that it could also be used to address employees across the country simultaneously, and even used to run some courses or workshops for them at the same time.

Meanwhile, after the video visitation project, the minister attended a handing over ceremony where Botswana Defence Force commander, Lt. Gen Placid Segokgo donated a welding equipment to a former inmate, a move Minister Mmusi described as a good way of assisting him start life afresh.

“It is a blessing to the beneficiary and I encourage him to take it seriously as this will help him find his feet. The donation should also be an encouragement to others to similarly assist,” he said. 

Mr Mmusi also encouraged inmates to behave well as the donation was a demonstration that good behaviour and personal commitment pay.

Lt Gen Segokgo said he met the beneficiary, Mr Moreri Gabotlhobogwe when he came to seek assistance of welding his trailer, and was assigned the latter.

“I was impressed by his commitment, knowledge of work and his creative metal works. He understood easily when you explained concepts to him and would transform your words into physical work much better than you could even describe,” he said.

He said he managed to assist him with tools worth P18 000, although he indicated that Haskins discounted them to P13 000 after they learnt that he wanted to assist an ex-inmate.

Lt. Gen Segokgo also appealed to Batswana to utilise inmates in small project as that would give them experience they would need after serving time. 

He also encouraged inmates not to give up on life when incarcerated as that was only meant to correct wayward behaviour and not a punishment.

He also encouraged inmates to appreciate skills imparted to them; especially behavioural skills as that could help prevent them from landing into further trouble. 

For his part, Gabotlhobogwe appreciated the assistance from Lt. Gen Segokgo as well as prisons officials for believing in his abilities and giving him a chance.“They would always give me projects that were more challenging and that helped me develop. It also helped instill self-belief in me which I will forever be grateful for, and I assure you all that I will use this chance as a fresh start in life,” he said.

Botswana Prisons Service commissioner, Mr Anthony Mokento encouraged all inmates to embrace government initiatives such as Chema Chema Fund when released as they too had equal rights to enjoy as any other Motswana. Ends