Police to appeal controversial Moroka judgement on breathalyser
The Government, through Attorney General is preparing to launch an appeal against the controversial High Court judgement that in terms of the law — essentially validates drunken driving, Weekend Post has established.
The contentious judgement was delivered by Judge Lot Moroka, in the matter in which one Freeman Mapukule, was appealing a Magistrate ruling which had been made in favour of the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP). According to Moroka, using the breathalyser name coded Intoximeter EC/IR, the police were using an unlawful breathalyser “not prescribed by the Minister” in accordance with the law, in particular Road Traffic Act (Cap 69:01). As a result thereof, Justice Moroka ruled this week: “the act of testing the appellant was as such a nullity. The result can therefore not stand.”
He further ruled that there is no evidence and the failure to provide the specimen of breath was without reasonable excuse, and consequently that the second count cannot stand. “In the final analysis, for the reason of the unlawful breathalyser and the latter grounds the appeal ought to succeed. The appeal against conviction succeeds in both counts and the following orders are hereby made: the conviction and sentence are hereby quashed and set aside in respect to both counts and the appellant is discharged and acquitted,” Moroka said in the judgement.
The offence of failure/ refusal to provide a specimen of breath is created by section 47 (5), of the Road Traffic Act. The section provides that: “a police officer may require any person who is driving or is in charge of a motor vehicle, to provide at any place which that officer may specify, a specimen of breath for analysis by means of a breathalyser of the type prescribed by the Minister.” Has the Intoximeter CT/RS been prescribed by the Minister as permissible for use in Botswana for purposes of the Road Traffic Act?
In 2013, the Minister prescribed a new generation of breathalysers’ permissible for use in Botswana. This is Statutory Instrument No 95 of 2013. Section 2 of the Statutory Instrument provides that: “for the purpose of Section 47 of the Road Traffic Act, the breathalyser which shall be used for the analysis of specimens of breath, shall be any of the types of devices specified in the Schedule hereto: Alcometer, Intoxilyser, Drager Alcotest, Alco Sensor, Intoximeter, Lifeloc, RBT IV, Alcotech alert and Intox.”
Sergeant Phepheng had told the court that the type of instruments used to test the appellant’s alcohol level was the said unlawful Intoximeter EC/IR. Moroka appointed out in the judgement that; “this type of breathalyser does not form part of the list of breathalysers No. 18 prescribed for use by the Minister in terms of Statutory Instrument.” Refusal or failure to provide a specimen of breath or blood is not unlawful per se. It is the failure and or refusal, without reasonable excuse that constitutes an offence.
A reasonable excuse would in the circumstances of Section 47 include; certifiable health reasons; injuries arising from an accident etc. Each case will turn on its own circumstances. The appellant attributes his inability to provide sufficient breath to health reasons. He did not refuse to provide a specimen of blood for alcohol testing. This judgment seeks to clarify two critical issues around the use of breathalysers as used within the context of the Road Traffic Act (Cap 69:01) of the Laws of Botswana.
The first issue concerns the types of breathalysers’ permissible under the Road Traffic Act in Botswana. The second issue is concerned with the law on the offence of Refusal/Failure to Provide a Specimen of Breath Contrary to Section 47 (5) of the Road Traffic Act. What this judgement means for Botswana. A private attorney who preferred anonymity told Weekend Post that the judgement has brought controversy, and a problem has risen.
In terms of the law, he said the current High Court ruling on the matter for now takes precedence and as such motorists cannot take the breathalyser as the machines were not lawfully sanctioned. “Currently there is no control, as we enter the festive season, for drunken and driving and this therefore will create a problem. Motorists can now drive under the influence of alcohol, and no case can be registered at court on the same. It means anyone can drink and drive at this point without being charged for the presumed offence,” he stated.
It’s favourable for motorists imbibing on alcohol, but the country needs control systems to curb driving under the influence of alcohol. They should consider approaching Minister or appealing. They should get the machines approved or prescribed by the Minister. If the machine is not prescribed, their case has no merit since the machine has not been sanctioned. Contacted for comment, Botswana Police Service (BPS), Traffic boss Mosimanegape Katlholo could not be drawn into the matter.
“I cannot comment on the matter for now as we need to meet as Police to take an organisation position on the matter, otherwise I will be talking my personal views or opinion which I want to guard against,” he said. The alcohol testing came after the appellant was arrested by the Selibe Phikwe police following an accident in which the motor vehicle he was driving collided with an electric pole and fence, this after he lost control of the motor vehicle.
The police who attended to the accident formed the opinion that he was driving whilst under the influence of alcohol and asked him to accompany them to the police station for testing his breath for alcohol level. The accused agreed and upon arrival at the police station, the appellant was duly warned that he was required to provide a specimen of breath into an alcometer referred to by the Police officers who gave evidence at trial as Intoximeter EC/IR serial number 012623 (which is presently unlawful).
The accused blew breath into the Intoximeter but could not generate sufficient specimen for testing and reasons for the failure were not specified in the record of proceedings from the lower court. Police then warned and cautioned him of the offences of failure to provide a specimen of breath and that of driving without due care and attention. Consequently, he was tried and convicted of the two offences. He was duly sentenced to pay a fine of P 3 200.00 on count 1. He is appealing against the conviction on the count at the High Court.
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Nigerians, Zimbabweans apply for Chema Chema Fund
Fronting activities, where locals are used as a front for foreign-owned businesses, have been a long-standing issue in Botswana. These activities not only undermine the government’s efforts to promote local businesses but also deprive Batswana of opportunities for economic empowerment, officials say. The Ministry of Trade and Industry has warned of heavy penalties for those involved in fronting activities especially in relation to the latest popular government initiative dubbed Chema Chema.
According to the Ministry, the Industrial Development Act of 2019 clearly outlines the consequences of engaging in fronting activities. The fines of up to P50,000 for first-time offenders and P20,000 plus a two-year jail term for repeat offenders send a strong message that the government is serious about cracking down on this illegal practice. These penalties are meant to deter individuals from participating in fronting activities and to protect the integrity of local industries.
“It is disheartening to hear reports of collaboration between foreigners and locals to exploit government initiatives such as the Chema Chema Fund. This fund, administered by CEDA and LEA, is meant to support informal traders and low-income earners in Botswana. However, when fronting activities come into play, the intended beneficiaries are sidelined, and the funds are misused for personal gain.” It has been discovered that foreign nationals predominantly of Zimbabwean and Nigerian origin use unsuspecting Batswana to attempt to access the Chema Chema Fund. It is understood that they approach these Batswana under the guise of drafting business plans for them or simply coming up with ‘bankable business ideas that qualify for Chema Chema.’
Observers say the Chema Chema Fund has the potential to uplift the lives of many Batswana who are struggling to make ends meet. They argue that it is crucial that these funds are used for their intended purpose and not siphoned off through illegal activities such as fronting. The Ministry says the warning it issued serves as a reminder to all stakeholders involved in the administration of these funds to ensure transparency and accountability in their disbursement.
One local commentator said it is important to highlight the impact of fronting activities on the local economy and the livelihoods of Batswana. He said by using locals as a front for foreign-owned businesses, opportunities for local entrepreneurs are stifled, and the economic empowerment of Batswana is hindered. The Ministry’s warning of heavy penalties is a call to action for all stakeholders to work together to eliminate fronting activities and promote a level playing field for local businesses.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Trade and Industry’s warning of heavy penalties for fronting activities is a necessary step to protect the integrity of local industries and promote economic empowerment for Batswana. “It is imperative that all stakeholders comply with regulations and work towards a transparent and accountable business environment. By upholding the law and cracking down on illegal activities, we can ensure a fair and prosperous future for all Batswana.”
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Merck Foundation and African First Ladies mark World Health Day 2024
Merck Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany marks “World Health Day” 2024 together with Africa’s First Ladies who are also Ambassadors of MerckFoundation “More Than a Mother” Campaign through their Scholarship and Capacity Building Program. Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation emphasized, “At Merck Foundation, we mark World Health Day every single day of the year over the past 12 years, by building healthcare capacity and transforming patient care across Africa, Asia and beyond.
I am proud to share that Merck Foundation has provided over 1740 scholarships to aspiring young doctors from 52 countries, in 44 critical and underserved medical specialties such as Oncology, Diabetes, Preventative Cardiovascular Medicine, Endocrinology, Sexual and Reproductive Medicine, Acute Medicine, Respiratory Medicine, Embryology & Fertility specialty, Gastroenterology, Dermatology, Psychiatry, Emergency and Resuscitation Medicine, Critical Care, Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Neonatal Medicine, Advanced Surgical Practice, Pain Management, General Surgery, Clinical Microbiology and infectious diseases, Internal Medicine, Trauma & Orthopedics, Neurosurgery, Neurology, Cardiology, Stroke Medicine, Care of the Older Person, Family Medicine, Pediatrics and Child Health, Obesity & Weight Management, Women’s Health, Biotechnology in ART and many more”.
As per the available data, Africa has only 34.6% of the required doctors, nurses, and midwives. It is projected that by 2030, Africa would need additional 6.1 million doctors, nurses, and midwives*. “For Example, before the start of the Merck Foundation programs in 2012; there was not a single Oncologist, Fertility or Reproductive care specialists, Diabetologist, Respiratory or ICU specialist in many countries such as The Gambia, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Central African Republic, Guinea, Burundi, Niger, Chad, Ethiopia, Namibia among others. We are certainly creating historic legacy in Africa, and also beyond. Together with our partners like Africa’s First Ladies, Ministries of Health, Gender, Education and Communication, we are impacting the lives of people in the most disadvantaged communities in Africa and beyond.”, added Senator Dr. Kelej. Merck Foundation works closely with their Ambassadors, the African First Ladies and local partners such as; Ministries of Health, Education, Information & Communication, Gender, Academia, Research Institutions, Media and Art in building healthcare capacity and addressing health, social & economic challenges in developing countries and under-served communities. “I strongly believe that training healthcare providers and building professional healthcare capacity is the right strategy to improve access to equitable and quality at health care in Africa.
Therefore, I am happy to announce the Call for Applications for 2024 Scholarships for young doctors with special focus on female doctors for our online one-year diploma and two year master degree in 44 critical and underserved medical specialties, which includes both Online Diploma programs and On-Site Fellowship and clinical training programs. The applications are invited through the Office of our Ambassadors and long-term partners, The First Ladies of Africa and Ministry of Health of each country.” shared Dr . Kelej. “Our aim is to improve the overall health and wellbeing of people by building healthcare capacity across Africa, Asia and other developing countries. We are strongly committed to transforming patientcare landscape through our scholarships program”, concluded Senator Kelej.
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Interpol fugitive escapes from Botswana
John Isaak Ndovi, a Tanzanian national embroiled in controversy and pursued under a red notice by the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol), has mysteriously vanished, bypassing a scheduled bail hearing at the Extension 2 Magistrate Court in Gaborone. Previously apprehended by Botswana law enforcement at the Tlokweng border post several months earlier, his escape has ignited serious concerns.
Accused of pilfering assets worth in excess of P1 million, an amount translating to roughly 30,000 Omani Riyals, Ndovi has become a figure of paramount interest, especially to the authorities in the Sultanate of Oman, nestled in the far reaches of Asia.
The unsettling news of his disappearance surfaced following his failure to present himself at the Extension 2 Magistrate Court the preceding week. Speculation abounds that Ndovi may have sought refuge in South Africa in a bid to elude capture, prompting a widespread mobilization of law enforcement agencies to ascertain his current location.
In an official communiqué, Detective Senior Assistant Police Commissioner Selebatso Mokgosi of Interpol Gaborone disclosed Ndovi’s apprehension last September at the Tlokweng border, a capture made possible through the vigilant issuance of the Interpol red notice.
At 36, Ndovi is implicated in a case of alleged home invasion in Oman. Despite the non-existence of an extradition treaty between Botswana and Oman, Nomsa Moatswi, the Director of the Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP), emphasized that the lack of formal extradition agreements does not hinder her office’s ability to entertain extradition requests. She highlighted the adoption of international cooperation norms, advocating for collaboration through the lenses of international comity and reciprocity.
Moatswi disclosed the intensified effort by law enforcement to locate Ndovi following his no-show in court, and pointed to Botswana’s track record of extraditing two international fugitives from France and Zimbabwe in the previous year as evidence of the country’s relentless pursuit of legal integrity.
When probed about the potential implications of Ndovi’s case on Botswana’s forthcoming evaluation by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), Moatswi reserved her speculations. She acknowledged the criticality of steering clear of blacklisting, suggesting that this singular case is unlikely to feature prominently in the FATF’s assessment criteria.