Prisons upgrade security with CCTV cameras across the country
Botswana Prisons Service (BPS) is committed to upholding fair and humane treatment of offenders, whilst ensuring respect for their human rights and dignity, Commissioner Dinah Marathe has assured. According to Marathe, through the implementation of Offender Rehabilitation and Reintegration Strategy (2021-2025), Food Security Strategy, the Gender Based Violence Perpetrators’ Programme, the Peace Education Programme, as well as the Offender Reintegration Programme they will achieve their goal.
Marathe said they have also managed to procure specialised escort vehicles; commenced the process to introduce the Prison Air Wing which will enhance aerial surveillance and improve operational efficiency; commenced the procurement of Integrated Prison Security Solution (IPSS) to increase the rate of detection and deterrence within facilities, and installation of CCTVs at Lobatse, Francistown and Mahalapye. Additional CCTVs will be installed at Moshupa, Kanye, Gantsi, Maun Serowe, and Selibe Phikwe Prisons this year.
“The intention is to have all Prisons installed with these security gadgets for monitoring and surveillance purposes, as they will assist in improving the level of security in their facilities to match the dynamic and ever-changing criminal environment,” Marathe said.
She said notwithstanding the achievements they continue to have some challenges which include escapes within facilities as these prisoners pose a serious security threat to Batswana hence the need for members of the public to assist in any way possible to curb prison breakouts.
Marathe said they have had four escapes this year, adding that prisons continue to be inundated with high incidents of intrusion of prohibited articles in their facilities.
“These illegal acts are usually perpetuated by members of the public especially at the courts and hospitals. I must admit however that some are perpetuated by some of our officers. I, therefore, implore you as the national watchdogs to come on board and assist us through public education to ensure that incidents of these nature do not occur,” Marathe appealed.
She applauded Government for the continued support through funding of projects which include drilling of boreholes across prison farms, construction of a milking parlour at Molepolole Prison Farm, procurement of CCTV cameras, construction of staff houses and other projects, all of which are geared towards full attainment of the mandate of the Botswana Prison Service.