Ditshwanelo - The Botswana Centre for Human Rights

09/10/2026

DITSHWANELO Press Statement on the World Day against the Death Penalty, 10 October

DITSHWANELO – The Botswana Centre for Human Rights joins the world in commemorating the World Day against the Death Penalty. This day is commemorated annually on 10 October. It brings together civil society organisations, legal professionals, policymakers and citizens around the global call for the universal abolition of the death penalty.

The 2026 campaign highlights the progress made towards abolition and the human lives affected by the death penalty. The theme for this campaign is ‘Stories for Life’. This campaign highlights the need to consider the structural, social, and individual conditions which may have contributed to a person coming into conflict with the law. Such factors include poverty, discrimination, trauma, mental health issues, or experiences of gender-based or other forms of violence, which are widely documented as disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations.

Botswana is the only country in our southern Africa region, which has actively retained the death penalty. The last ex*****ons were carried out in 2021. Angola (1992), Mauritius (1995), Mozambique (1990), Namibia (1990), South Africa (1995), and Zimbabwe (2024) have abolished the death penalty. In 2024, Zambia committed to the irreversible abolition of the death penalty in its laws.

Our Constitution of Botswana protects the right to life but permits deprivation of life in ex*****on of a sentence of a court for offences provided for under Botswana law. Our Penal Code also provides for the death penalty, including ex*****on by hanging. Botswana is a state party to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) but has not ratified the Second Optional Protocol to the ICCPR. The Second Optional Protocol aims at abolition and prevention of the re-introduction of the death penalty.

DITSHWANELO recognises that the State has a responsibility to protect our society from serious crimes and to ensure accountability for perpetrators. However, the protection of society must be pursued in a manner which respects human rights, human dignity and the irreversible nature of capital punishment. A wrongful conviction can potentially be overturned and an individual released, but an ex*****on cannot be undone. This concern is particularly significant where justice systems may face challenges relating to access to competent legal representation, the reliability of evidence, procedural safeguards and the possibility of human error.

The recent case of Ms Lesedi Molapisi provides an example of how the decision of a lower court can be reversed by a higher court. She was found guilty in Bangladesh, of smuggling drugs and sentenced to death by the Sessions Court. On appeal, the High Court Division of the Supreme Court of Bangladesh found that the prosecution had failed to prove their case. It acquitted Ms Molapisi and discharged her.

DITSHWANELO acknowledges the pain and suffering experienced by victims and their families following serious and violent crimes. Supporting abolition does not mean diminishing the experiences of victims or excusing criminal conduct. Rather, it reflects the conviction that justice can be pursued through accountability and effective punishment without taking another human life.

DITSHWANELO therefore calls upon the Government of Botswana to:

1.establish an official moratorium on ex*****ons as an immediate step towards abolition. We recognise and appreciate that there have been no death warrants signed by the President or ex*****ons carried out since the current government took office in November 2024.

2.initiate a national dialogue on abolition2, involving Parliament, the judiciary, legal practitioners, traditional leaders, faith-based organisations, victims' groups, civil society, academics and communities.

3.consider ratification of the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR).

The right to life must be protected for all, guided by our national principle of ‘Botho’. Justice must be firm, fair and humane. A modern justice system should uphold accountability while recognising the inherent dignity of every human being. 10 October 2026
Gaborone

22/09/2026

The Regional Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) and BOCONGO, co-hosted a civil society workshop on Accession to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR) and the 1961 Convention on the Reduction of Statelessness on 21st to 23rd September 2026 in Gaborone.

DITSHWANELO Director Dr Alice Mogwe and Programme Officer Ms Lame Moreeng attended.

19/09/2026

DITSHWANELO Press Release on the Political and Democratic Situation in Zambia

DITSHWANELO - The Botswana Centre for Human Rights notes, with grave concern, recent developments in Zambia, following the 13 August 2026 General Elections.

We are increasingly alarmed by reports about restrictions on access to courts, arbitrary arrests and detention of opposition figures and other government critics in the post-election period1, the fatal shooting of a former Zambian Cabinet Minister Mr Mutotwe Kafwaya and the cancellation of passports belonging to several Zambian citizens2. Passport cancellations3 reported to date, are those of former Ambassador Mr Emmanuel Mwamba, Dr Sishuwa Sishuwa, former Members of Parliament Mr Binwell Mpundu and Mr Emmanuel Jay Banda, former State House Special Assistant Mr Kaizer Zulu, and blogger Ms Lillian Mutambo. These developments raise serious questions concerning access to justice and to legal representation, due process, freedom of movement and the protection of fundamental rights.

On 24 August 2026, Zambian courts, including the Constitutional Court and High Court, were reportedly closed and access restricted on the day which coincided with the deadline for filing challenges to the presidential election results. Human Rights Watch4 reported that the closure effectively prevented the filing of legal challenges during the constitutionally prescribed period.

All persons arrested or detained must be treated with dignity and in accordance with applicable domestic law, and regional and international human rights obligations. These obligations and standards are that arrests and detentions must be lawful, detainees must have access to legal representation, and every person facing criminal proceedings must be afforded due process and a fair hearing before an independent and impartial tribunal.

We stand in solidarity with civil society organisations, human rights defenders and citizens in Zambia who are working towards protecting democratic values, human rights and the rule of law. Freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association are essential components of democratic participation and must be protected for all persons, regardless of their political affiliation or views.

DITSHWANELO calls upon the Government of Zambia and all political actors in Zambia to:

Uphold the rule of law and ensure that all state institutions operate within their constitutional and legal mandates.

Safeguard access to justice by ensuring that courts remain accessible, independent and able to consider electoral, constitutional and human rights matters effectively and without undue interference.

Respect due process and fair trial guarantees and ensure that all arrests, detentions and prosecutions are lawful and consistent with Zambia's domestic and international human rights obligations.

Protect freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly, including the rights of opposition political parties, journalists, civil society organisations, human rights defenders and ordinary citizens to participate in public affairs without intimidation, retaliation or discrimination.

Ensure that restrictions on freedom of movement are lawful, necessary and proportionate.

DITSHWANELO calls on the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to:

Support inclusive and constructive political dialogue among the Government, political parties, civil society organisations, faith-based organisations and other relevant stakeholders.

Address political tensions, strengthen public confidence in democratic institutions and promote respect for human rights and the rule of law.

DITSHWANELO calls upon our Government of Botswana to:

Monitor the post-election environment and civic space for human rights defenders, including journalists, lawyers and civil society organisations.

Encourage the Zambian authorities to ensure that civic and political participation are not subject to intimidation or retaliation.

Encourage the Zambian authorities to uphold human rights principles and guarantee unfettered access to judicial processes.

Respect for human rights, constitutional governance, independent institutions and the rule of law are fundamental to peace, stability and sustainable development in our SADC region.
18 September 2026.
Gaborone

18/09/2026

The first meeting of the Technical Committee (TC) of the National Human Rights Coordination Committee (NHRCC) was held at the Ministry of Justice and Correctional Services (MJCS) on 15 September 2026. The NHRCC Co-Chairs are Mr Bakang Tshipinare (Deputy Permanent Secretary, MJCS) and Dr Alice Mogwe (Director of DITSHWANELO – The Botswana Centre for Human Rights and CSO representative). Both Committees comprise government and civil society members working together towards the production of the Comprehensive Human Rights Strategy and National Action Plan (2027-2032).

Front: Mr Bakang Tshipinare (Co- Chair, NHRCC) and Dr Alice Mogwe, (Co-Chair, NHRCC).
Left to right: Ms Tshepo B. Sebego, Ms Malebogo Modiakgotla, Ms Tebogo Mapodisi, Director - Human Rights ( MJCS) and Project Manager (CHRSNAP), Mr Thapelo Ndlovu (media), Ms Lorato Moalusi (gender), Dr Moiseraele Dibeela (faith- based organisations), Ms Kelebogile Kebotse, Ms Ellen Kgotlhang, Ms Lame Moreeng, Ms Diana Meswele, Mr John Soopu and Mr Kago Timothy Mweemba (youth).

16/09/2026

08/09/2026

Office Space for rent in Kasane

A Porta Cabin with 3 office rooms, kitchen, bathroom and reception area for rent in Plateau, Kasane. The office is fenced.

Very nice paved parking space.

Interested parties should contact the following people:

Mrs Kebadiretse on 72796542
Mr A. Matayataya on 71729826

Arrangements can be made for those interested in viewing.

NOTICE

DITSHWANELO The Botswana Centre for Human Rights will sell its office furniture and equipment in Kasane on Monday 21 September 2026 from 9.00 a.m

The sale of the office furniture and equipment will take place at LIYA Lodge, Plot 1198, Kasane.

Items to be sold can be viewed on 20 September 2026 between 09.00 and 15.30 p.m.

This office furniture and equipment were used in DITSHWANELO’s former Kasane Office.

For information please phone: a) Mr Richard Kashweeka on 74160256 or
b) Mr Andrew Matayataya on 71729826

Dated: 19 August 2026

03/09/2026

PRESS RELEASE

Legal process resulting in the acquittal of Ms Lesedi Molapisi

DITSHWANELO – The Botswana Centre for Human Rights has been approached by various media houses with the request to further explain the details of the legal process through which Ms Lesedi Molapisi was acquitted on 28 July 2026.

On January 23, 2022, Ms Lesedi Molapisi boarded a Qatar Airways flight from South Africa to Dhaka, Bangladesh for the purpose of buying garments for retailing them in Botswana. She had connected with a Managing Director of a garment factory, who sent her an invitation letter required to support her visa application. Upon landing in Dhaka in the early evening of 24 January 2022, Customs officials searched her hand luggage and her person after which she was made to wait in another room while her check-in luggage was searched in her absence. According to the charge sheet filed against her, the Customs officers discovered 3.145 kilograms of he**in concealed inside eight polybags in the said luggage. Ms Molapisi was not shown the alleged he**in find by the Customs officials. She was subsequently arrested and immediately incarcerated.

She was kept in the Kashimpur Women’s Jail while investigations against her continued. A charge sheet against her was submitted to the court on 8 August 2022 – seven months after her arrest. Charges were formally framed against her almost one year later, on 20 July 2023, under sections 25 C and 25 D of the Special Powers Act 1974 and section 36 (1) 8 (Ga)/41 of the Narcotics Control Act 2018 . However, the Sessions Court dropped the charges against her which were under the Special Powers Act 1974, stating that there were no grounds.

On 27 May 2024, the 8th Additional Metropolitan Sessions Judge, Dhaka, sentenced Lesedi Molapisi to death along with an order to pay a fine of Taka 20,000 (approximately 150 USD).

In October 2025, Dr Alice Mogwe, in her capacity as President of the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH), visited Bangladesh and was hosted by the local member of FIDH. Dr. Mogwe held talks with the-then Chief Advisor / Prime Minister, Advisors / Ministers and officials of the interim government on a broad range of human rights issues. She also had the opportunity to visit Ms Molapisi in prison accompanied by Advocate Ahsanuzzaman, representing the local FIDH member organisation, who subsequently became engaged in the monitoring of Ms Molapisi’s court case and her well-being in prison.

On 16 July 2026, the hearing of the appeal against the death sentence commenced in the High Court Division of the Supreme Court of Bangladesh, with Senior Advocates Md. Ruhul Amin Bhuiyan and Adilur Rahman Khan, and Advocate Mohammad Ahsanuzzaman representing Lesedi Molapisi. The hearing of the appeal ended on 20 July 2026. On 28 July 2026 the Bench of the High Court Division of the Supreme Court, comprising Justice Md. Kamrul Hossain Molla and Justice Foisal Hasan Arif, passed an order of acquittal for Lesedi Molapisi, declaring her not guilty of the charges against her.

The Supreme Court of Bangladesh, High Court Division. Dhaka (Criminal Appellate Jurisdiction), passed judgement on 28.07.2026 which states as follows:
“ … this Court is led to come in a decision that the prosecution miserably failed to prove the charge as brought against the condemned-accused Lesedi Molapisi … In the result, the Death Reference No. 90 of 2024 is rejected”.

“The judgement and order of conviction and sentence dated 27.05.2024 …. is hereby set aside. “The Criminal Appeal No. 4788 of 2024 and Jail Appeal No. 186 of 2024 are hereby allowed”.

“The condemned prisoner Lesedi Molapisi … is not found guilty … and is acquitted accordingly”.

The relevant pages from the above quoted judgement as delivered by the Supreme Court of Bangladesh are published on the DITSHWANELO page.

DITSHWANELO trusts that the above information effectively addresses the need for clarification concerning the legal process which led to the acquittal of Ms Lesedi Molapisi.

3 September 2026
Gaborone

02/09/2026

Ditshwanelo Press Statement on Ms Lesedi Molapisi.

DITSHWANELO – The Botswana Centre for Human Rights and the Molapisi Family deeply appreciate the expected arrival at home, of Ms Lesedi Molapisi.

On 28 July 2026, Ms Molapisi was acquitted, by the High Court Division of the Supreme Court of Bangladesh, of the allegations brought against her. The High Court found no evidence of her involvement in the alleged smuggling of he**in. The decision of the Sessions Court of 2024, was subsequently set aside.

In October 2025, DITSHWANELO, represented by Dr Alice Mogwe, in her then-capacity as President of FIDH (the International Federation for Human Rights), engaged with the Government of Bangladesh on broad human rights issues and visited Ms Molapisi in prison. Through that visit, support from the local FIDH member organisation and international solidarity support, Ms Molapisi was successfully supported through her appeal process. The consular support provided by our Botswana High Commission in New Delhi, India is greatly appreciated.

Recognising the traumatic experience of having been on death row since 2024, both DITSHWANELO and the Molapisi Family request that the family and Ms Molapisi be given time to process her recent experiences, in privacy. We therefore request the public and the media to respect the wishes of the family.
2 September 2026 Gaborone

18/08/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/19Qd3dCoxr/

28/07/2026

Our week-long Human Rights Clubs' Training Programme for Students began on Monday in Gantsi for 27-31 July 2026!. It is for Junior and Senior Secondary School students from Rethuseng Junior (Charleshill), Marakanelo Junior (Ncojane), Tshimologo Junior (Tsootsha), Itekeng Junior (Gantsi), Gantsi Senior (Gantsi) and Maun Senior (Maun).