Africa-Press – Botswana. The Assistant Minister for State President, Ms Maipelo Mophuting says there is no established legal framework for the expungement of fingerprints or records to minor offences, though government is aware that many reformed and rehabilitated ex-offenders continue to experience persistent stigma and discrimination, particularly in accessing employment and other opportunities.
These challenges, she said in Parliament recently, undermined their reintegration into society and might in some cases reverse the progress made through rehabilitation initiatives.
However, she said there was presidential pardon where individuals might apply for pardon to the President and depending on the gravity of the matter, such pardon might be granted allowing employment of the said individual.
In the light of these concerns Ms Mophuting said the proposal to develop legal framework for the expungement of records for minor offences was worthy of careful consideration.
In addition, she said government was committed to exploring the matter with a view to determining an appropriate and comprehensive policy approach that safeguarded public interest and supported the restoration of dignity for rehabilitated individuals.
Kgatleng Central MP, Mr Mpho Morolong, inquired if the minister would consider the development of a legal framework that allowed for individuals with minor or civil convictions to apply for expungement of fingerprints after a period of demonstrated rehabilitation.
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