Mmusi backtracks on ‘eliminate criminals’

THABO BAGWASI

editors@thepatriot.co.bw

The Minister of State for Defense Justice and Security, Kagiso Mmusi has doubled down on a consequential order to eliminate criminals in every way possible.

Mmusi drew major backlash last month when he commandeer a gathering of police top brass to eradicate criminals through extra-constitutional means. His utterances followed an attack on fellow cabinet minister, Dr Edwin Dikoloti by petty criminals at a traffic stop. “I instruct that it must be the last I see what I saw yesterday. You must do everything you can to eliminate those who do this, in whatever form,” said Mmusi.

A week after the minister’s ‘order’ 10 cash heist robbery suspects were slaughtered in broad day light by state security agents at a house in Phase 2, Gaborone. 

On Friday Mmusi changed tone, telling Parliament that the import of his statement was that every police and security agent must always see to it that they are on their toes, at the ready for any eventuality. “Our issue was that we must always be on our toes. Let every police and security agent see to it that criminals are plucked from amongst us and are condemned where they will spend time,” said Mmusi, suggesting criminals be jailed.

Meanwhile, the Minister who is also Member of Parliament (MP) for Gabane-Mmankgodi has confirmed a sharp double digit increase in violent crime. The latest figures, excluding 2022, show a sharp 13 percent increase in violent crimes in the last recorded period.

Mmusi told MP’s that crime statistics from 2020 recorded 5 823 incidences of violent crime.  In 2021 the figures blistered up to an astounding 6 599, marking a rise of 776 more incidents.

Prominent incidences of violent crimes according to the Minister included murder, rape, robbery and defilement. “I am aware that violent crime appears to be on the rise and indeed there has been an increase in murder, rape, robbery and defilement,” said Mmusi, responding to a Parliamentary question Friday.

Furthermore, the minister reiterated that it will be a long time that firearm laws are disturbed to allow increased ownership citizens because government wishes to maintain a hegemony on weaponry and firepower.

Mmusi further stated that while it’s incumbent upon legislators to change laws, he does not believe it should be done in greater isolation without looking at the current precepts of gun ownership laws.  “Government is against the idea of proliferation of arms in our society and we believe that trained people, being police and other agencies, must be allowed to have them. For now, we don’t have any ideas to allow a laissez faire gun culture,” said Mmusi.

The Minister further told Parliament that they are aware of criminals who are hoarding gun stashes and are still probing their origins.

“We will pursue them ceaselessly,”he said.