7 April 2008
editorial
It is comforting to see that the police, supported by other stakeholders, are taking the necessary steps to be better equipped to deal with those who violate intellectual property rights.
Last week, the police and the United States embassy held a workshop to map out strategies to be used in the fight against criminals dealing in counterfeit goods such as DVDs, CDs, electrical appliances, clothing, computer accessories, medicines and books. The development comes at a time when local artistes are fighting a losing battle against those who make a killing from pirating their work.
The most affected group here are musicians. Many local musicians have come across their pirated works selling on the streets and in Chinese shops at cheaper prices. Cheap is always popular and the pirates and their collaborates are doing roaring business as the musicians watch helplessly. Reporting to the police brought little relief because of a lacuna in the legislative framework. Some musicians like Frank 'Franco' Lesokwane and Shumba Ratshega have been forced to raid Chinese stores to expose those who deal in counterfeit products. But all is not lost as the police seem to be taking the necessary steps to combat intellectual property crimes. At last week's workshop, the deputy Commissioner of Botswana Police Kenny Kapinga acknowledged that organised syndicates are benefiting from dealing in counterfeit goods. He noted that this is a complex crime that needs specially trained police officers. Hopefully with support from stakeholders, the police will have the necessary skills to deal with crimes related to intellectual property. This will in-turn help those whose works are being pirated to boost their sales and get justified earnings from their sweat. Another good development which deserves mention is the assistance from the US government. The Americans have introduced the International Law Enforcement Academy at Otse Police College, which has trained many officers in special skills.
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