Africa-Press – Botswana. Prisons staff members have been urged to avoid actions that might discredit or lower public confidence in the organisation.
Addressing staff members in Francistown, Deputy Commissioner of Prisons; Rehabilitation and reintegration Mr Dikakanyo Mmolawa said in the recent past there had been cases of indiscipline amongst the officers.
He cited an incident involving one of the officers at Molepolole Prisons who had been dismissed for conniving with inmates by bringing tools and other items that were not allowed into prison.
He said such behaviour had no room in the organisation and stern measures would be taken against perpetrators.
“You are a disciplined force and we expect you to remain as such,” warned Mr Mmolawa.
On other issues, Mr Mmolawa said just like any government department, the institution did not have enough resources to carry out its mandate.
He, therefore, appealed to officers to work with the limited resources at their disposal.
He said theirs was to keep prisoners safe whilst at the same time rehabilitating them so that they live a better life upon release.
He encouraged them to remain focused on their mandate, saying the government was doing its best to improve their welfare and conditions of service.
Senior Assistant Commissioner Mmolawa also briefed them about President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi’s Reset Agenda which called for amongst others, mindset change and value chain.
He explained that the priorities were key to service delivery and economic development of the country.
He also briefed them on the reintegration process which aimed to ensure inmates were accepted by society upon release.
Senior Superintendent Mmolawa also encouraged them to further their studies as part of self-development.
In his welcome remarks, Divisional Commander (north), Senior Assistant Commissioner of Prisons Mr Ontlametse Motshebe said cases of indiscipline were not common in his area as the leadership always preached discipline in the workforce.
However, Senior Assistant Commissioner Motshebe registered concern that there might be a possible outbreak of polio at the centre due to a high number of children for illegal immigrants.
Nonetheless, he said his institution was working closely with the District Health Management Team (DHMT) to prevent a possible outbreak at the centre.
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