Africa-Press – Botswana. Ministry for State President Permanent secretary Ms Goitsemang Morekisi has been urged to enforce the Sexual Offences Registry Act.
The call for action came after Public Accounts Committee member, Mr Leepetswe Lesedi, questioned why a legislation, intended to establish a national registry of convicted sex offenders, was yet to be enforced more than three years after its approval.
“The public deserves to know why such an important piece of legislation remains idle, the delay in implementation compromises the safety of our communities, especially children and other vulnerable groups.”
Mr Lesedi therefore urged government to prioritise the rollout of the registry.
“This law was passed to protect survivors and prevent repeat offenses and delaying its implementation undermines both justice and public trust,” he said.
The Sexual Offences Registry Act, among other things, mandates the creation of a centralised database, listing individuals convicted of sexual crimes. Though signed into law in 2021, the Act has yet to take effect due to administrative and logistical hurdles. Sharing the same sentiments, PAC chairperson, Mr Taolo Lucas called for a shift from excessive deliberation to decisive implementation.
He pointed to growing concern of over bureaucratic inertia and slow pace of reform execution across sectors, emphasising the need to ‘implement and not just talk’. In response, Ms Morekisi acknowledged delays and said efforts were underway to expedite the process and make the Act functional. She said a task force had been formed to address operational challenges and that a timeline for implementation would be announced soon.
“Currently, we are seeking approval for board members, and once approved, it will be fully operational within about two to three weeks,” she said.
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