Kenny Kapinga, Member of Parliament (MP) for Okavango Wes has sparked renewed discussions on the controversial incident involving the deaths of ten alleged robbers, shot by individuals reported to be security agents. Kapinga sought clarity from the Minister for State President Moeti Mohwasa on whether the government planned to review the handling of the case by the previous administration.
Kapinga asked if there was any intention to reassess the actions of the previous government in relation to the shooting incident, which has raised significant public concern.
Responding to the question, Mohwasa acknowledged the gravity of the matter and assured Parliament that the government is aware of the incident. The Minister said “This House will have noted that this matter is before the courts with one aspect, that is, the inadmissibility of the statement of the only surviving suspect of the heist, having been dispensed with by the Extension 2 Magistrate Court in Gaborone on the 4th of December, 2024.”
The Minister went on to emphasize that, given the recent legal developments, the government will allow the ongoing legal processes to proceed to their logical conclusion. Only once the courts have completed their review of the case will the Ministry be in a position to carry out its own review, “in order to better inform ourselves and all the stakeholders,” the Minister said.
This latest parliamentary exchange comes after months of public outcry and debates about the legitimacy of the security agents’ actions and the broader implications for human rights and the rule of law in Botswana. The incident, which involved the deaths of the alleged robbers, has sparked concerns over the use of force by security agents and raised questions about accountability, particularly regarding the identity and authority of the individuals involved.
While the incident remains under judicial review, the Minister’s response suggests a cautious approach, with the government refraining from any direct commentary until all legal avenues are exhausted.
