Selebi-Phikwe West MP Reuben Kaizer says restrictions at security camps deny him access to constituents, reviving a dispute over representation and protected installations.
SESUPO RANTSIMAKO
Selebi-Phikwe West MP Reuben Kaizer has accused the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) government of repeating restrictive practices of its Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) predecessor after being denied access to constituents at security camps in his constituency.
The Botswana Defence Force (BDF) and police say their installations cannot host political activities, while the Botswana Prisons Service says entry can be granted with prior approval.
MP Protests
Kaizer argues that the restrictions undermine his mandate as an elected representative and are inconsistent with the democratic change promised by the UDC.
“I have been blocked from accessing BDF, police and prison camp as an MP,” he wrote on Facebook.
The dispute raises questions about how MPs can engage constituents who live inside protected security installations.
BDF Position
Minister for State President, Defence and Security Moeti Mohwasa referred The Botswana Gazette’s enquiries to the security agencies.
BDF spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Fana Maswabi said military camps are protected areas where political activities are prohibited. He argued that security requirements make constituency meetings inside military installations difficult.
Police Restrictions
Botswana Police Service spokesperson Near Bagali said police camps are apolitical institutions and do not permit political meetings. Officers who wish to attend political gatherings may do so in their personal capacities while off duty.
Prisons spokesperson Oagile Kojane outlined a different arrangement, saying MPs may address constituents in prison facilities if they first obtain approval from the Commissioner of Prisons.
“As long as the MP sought entry to the commissioner detailing the agenda of the address and the dates, they will be allowed entry,” Kojane told The Botswana Gazette.
Old Dispute
The dispute echoes a 2018 clash when former Selebi-Phikwe West MP Dithapelo Keorapetse challenged restrictions on addressing soldiers stationed in his constituency.
Then Defence Minister Shaw Kgathi said legislators could meet soldiers outside military installations but not hold meetings inside camps, citing the BDF Act and other security laws.
The latest standoff again pits the security requirements of protected facilities against MPs’ responsibility to represent their constituents.