Botswana: Death penalty here to stay – Ruling party secretary-general

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Botswana: Death penalty here to stay – Ruling party secretary-general

12:06 CAT | 11 Jun 2016

Mmegionline / Botsalo and Kgathi.

The Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) secretary general, Botsalo Ntuane says the death penalty will stay forever as long as his party is in power. Ntuane stated that although there are calls to stop the death sentence by the minority, many Batswana share the government’s position on the matter.

“Capital punishment is here to stay. As a democracy we appreciate all views and opinions. This is what makes Botswana such a unique and indeed healthy democracy. However, we once again reiterate that under the BDP, capital punishment is here to stay,” he said at a press conference Tuesday.

Ntuane said the BDP led government will continue the practice until Batswana say otherwise. Ntuane’s comments follow the recent execution of Patrick Gabaakanye, which attracted criticism from some sections of human rights organisations. He said they note the minority voices speaking against the death penalty, but stressed that a vast majority of Batswana welcome it.

He challenged opposition parties to declare their position on the death penalty saying Batswana deserve to know if opposition parties are on the side of murderers or those whose lives have been cut short by the murderers.

“Batswana must know if the opposition parties are on the side of murderers, who after killing innocent citizens should continue to enjoy life, and not be put to death or if they, like the BDP are on the side of the victims of murder.

As the BDP, we stand on the side of victims of murder and their families hence our retention of capital punishment.”

In Botswana, crimes and offences that are punishable by death include murder, treason (although not mandatory) and espionage. Under President Ian Khama’s reign from April 2008 to date, Botswana has hanged nine offenders.

Source: Mmegionline