DISMAL FAILURES: Boko lambasts judges, calls them incompetent and dispensable

President Duma Boko has criticized the judiciary, accusing it of failing to uphold fundamental human rights.

Speaking at the International Human Rights Day commemoration at the burial of Pitseng Gaoberekwe, who was laid to rest after a three-year legal battle, Boko said those entrusted with interpreting the law have 'failed this country dismally.'

“Judges who fail to recognize human rights violations lack both strength and knowledge,” Boko declared, adding, “Ga wa nonoha ebile ga ona kelelelo,” meaning, “You are neither capable nor wise.”

He argued that such incompetence necessitates removing such individuals from their positions, stating, “Re go ntshe mo maemong a o a tshwereng,” which translates to, “Must we remove you from the

positions you hold.”

Boko criticized the five judges who ruled against Gaoberekwe’s case, denying him the right to be buried in Metsiamanong, where he had lived.

'These judges violated his fundamental rights,' Boko said. As the attorney who once handled the case, he questioned the competence of Botswana’s judiciary. “Ba golahetse mo ditlhaloganyong,” he

said, meaning, “They are intellectually stunted' and incapable of recognizing human rights violations, he added.

He called for reforms to ensure the law provides adequate relief for human rights violations, urging that Botswana’s judiciary aligns itself with principles of justice and fairness.

Boko revealed that he once prayed to be elevated above judges who, in his words, 'violate human rights.'

'God answered my prayers,' he said, referencing his position as President, which allows him to appoint judges aligned with human rights values.

Boko criticized previous governments for enabling judicial misconduct and vowed to prioritize human rights defenders in judicial appointments.

Boko has called for Gaoberekwe’s gravesite to be transformed into a monument, symbolizing a turning point in Botswana’s fight against human rights violations.

Boko declared that the grave should serve as a powerful reminder of the country’s commitment to justice and equality.

'My wish is for Pitseng Gaoberekwe’s grave to become a monument,' Boko stated. 'A monument that signifies the day the government stopped violating human rights.'

The burial of Pitseng Gaoberekwe marked the end of a prolonged legal and emotional battle where his family fought for nearly three years to honour his wish to be buried in his birthplace, despite government opposition.