Police accused of brutality
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A man from Dukwi, Balibi Kelentse, is accusing police officers of brutally assaulting him while allegedly trying to force him to confess to stealing livestock.
The Midweek Sun has established through sources close to Kelentse and the Botswana Khwedom Council, a human rights organisation, that the man is nursing injuries which he allegedly sustained during the incident.
Khwedom has since written to the Commissioner of Police, Dinah Marathe, calling for an investigation into the allegations and appropriate disciplinary action against any officers found responsible.
Pictures shared with The Midweek Sun suggest extensive discolouration and injuries on Kelentse’s back. He is also said to have developed swelling and lump-like injuries on his feet, which have made it difficult for him to walk properly.
It is further alleged that Kelentse was repeatedly suffocated during questioning to force him to admit that he had stolen livestock. According to people close to him, the alleged suffocation was so severe that he felt as though his life was being taken away. The alleged incident is said to have occurred about three weeks ago, and when contacted on Tuesday, Kelentse confirmed that he had been unwell but declined to give a detailed account of the alleged assault, saying he was still considering his options, including pursuing the matter through the courts.
“I am hoping the police will assist me in this matter. I have been unwell for some time,” he said.
In its letter to Commissioner Marathe, Khwedom urged the police to conduct an independent, impartial, thorough and transparent investigation into the allegations concerning the treatment of the complainant.
The organisation said that being investigated for an alleged offence should never be regarded as justification for brutality, excessive use of force, intimidation or degrading treatment.
Khwedom further called for appropriate disciplinary action against any officers found to have been involved in the alleged assault.
Speaking to The Midweek Sun on Tuesday, Dukwi Station Commander, Joseph Kehakae said he was shocked to see the allegations circulating on social media.
Kehakae said he had since contacted Kelentse and asked him to come to his office so that they could establish what had transpired.