2 July 2009
Minister of Defence, Justice and Security, Dikgakgamatso Seretse told Parliament on Tuesday that there is no need to set up an independent inquiry to investigate the extra-judicial killings by state security forces.
He was responding to a question by Gaborone South MP, Akanyang Magama. The MP asked whether the increasing number of extra-judicial killing of suspects by state security does not necessitate an independent inquiry to restore confidence in the law enforcement agencies.
"I do not see the need to set up an independent inquiry as a measure to restore confidence of the public in the law enforcement agencies in view of the alleged extra-judicial killings. If there has been a drop in confidence, it is not due to the alleged extra-judicial killings but it is due to the general increase in the rate of crime," Seretse replied.
He added that the estates have come up with initiatives such as community policing and public education to address the increase in crime. Therefore, there is no need to set up an independent inquiry as the existing legal processes can be used to address the alleged extra-judicial killings.
"Furthermore, I do not doubt the integrity and impartiality of the Botswana Police Service to investigate every case before them," he added. The minister said that the police have different units through which they can investigate every case including those involving their colleagues. He said that other countries have similar arrangements. At least 14 suspected criminals have been shot and killed by security agents since April last year and there are reports of torture, abduction, and intimidation by the secret police.
Meanwhile, Seretse revealed that government is in the process of establishing a National Human Rights Institution to deal broadly with human rights questions including meeting reporting obligations as set out in some International Human Rights instruments. He was responding to another question by Magama, who wanted to know whether the minister does not think it is opportune to establish a Human Rights violations body.
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