Botswana Prison Service

21/10/2026

Ministry of Justice and Correctional Services Tender Adjudication Decisions

19/10/2026

Auction sale at Prison complex ground auction yard, Gaborone Village

16/10/2026

𝗠𝗔𝗨𝗡 𝗣𝗥𝗜𝗦𝗢𝗡 𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗙𝗙 𝗨𝗥𝗚𝗘𝗗 𝗧𝗢 𝗔𝗜𝗠 𝗛𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗘𝗥

𝗠𝗮𝘂𝗻, 𝟭𝟲 𝗢𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 – The Commissioner of Prisons - Commissioner Anthony Mokento, has challenged Maun Prison officers to uphold high professional standards, embrace accountability and continuously improve their performance to ensure the effective delivery of the Botswana Prison Service mandate.

Addressing Maun Prison staff today, Commissioner Mokento emphasised the importance of clearly defined roles and responsibilities in ensuring efficient station management. He said every officer entrusted with a specialised duty must be accountable, while supervisors should broaden their skills, remain adaptable and be equipped to serve across different operational areas.

Meanwhile, the officers were commended for their strong performance during the previous harvest season, their work in parole administration and their consistent performance in draping. Commissioner Mokento urged them to sustain these achievements and improve further. He also encouraged the station to expand construction and maintenance work by establishing a dedicated team to repair prison buildings and staff houses, ensuring that practical skills are put to productive use.

Turning to officers’ financial welfare, the Commissioner stressed that the Service’s welfare initiatives are long-term investments intended to support officers and their families during employment and after retirement. He likened the Prison Officers Welfare Scheme to the traditional Setswana principle, through which communities pooled and preserved grain to help one another during periods of drought.

He cautioned officers against abandoning the savings scheme because of peer pressure, reminding them that financial decisions carry personal consequences. He encouraged patience and consistency, noting that investments require time to grow. He also highlighted other available initiatives, including Legora Insurance, Sports, Recreation and Social Responsibility (SRSR), and the Prison Service Burial Society.

The Commissioner further urged officers pursuing self-development courses to complete their studies and encouraged those who had already qualified to advance to higher levels. With the world becoming increasingly competitive, he challenged officers to aim higher in their education, including progressing to postgraduate and doctoral studies.

He stressed the importance of ensuring that basic needs, including meals and toiletries are provided and that prisoners’ appeals receive the necessary attention. He also called for innovation in rehabilitation, encouraging officers to develop programmes that build practical skills, improve prisoners’ capabilities and prepare them for successful reintegration into their communities.
He acknowledged the accommodation challenges facing Maun Prison staff and assured officers that efforts were under way to address them, although demand would continue to require attention.

Addressing the prisoners, Commissioner Mokento explained that his visit also aimed to provide feedback on issues raised during their previous meeting. He updated them on progress regarding prison uniforms, the revised prison menu and other matters of concern.

15/10/2026

𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗠𝗜𝗦𝗦𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗘𝗥 𝗠𝗢𝗞𝗘𝗡𝗧𝗢 𝗔𝗗𝗩𝗔𝗡𝗖𝗘𝗦 𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗙𝗙 𝗪𝗘𝗟𝗙𝗔𝗥𝗘 𝗔𝗧 𝗕𝗢𝗥𝗢 𝗣𝗥𝗜𝗦𝗢𝗡

𝗕𝗼𝗿𝗼, 𝟭𝟱 𝗢𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 – Improving officers’ accommodation and promoting financial wellness were among the key priorities highlighted by Commissioner of Prisons Anthony Mokento during his visit to Boro Prison today.

A major focus of the visit was the partnership between the Botswana Prison Service and the Botswana Housing Corporation (BHC), with discussions centred on improving officers’ accommodation. Commissioner Mokento and BHC Maun Area Manager, Mr Khumoetsile Moroka toured the proposed housing site and agreed on the location for one of the houses to be constructed at Boro Prison.

The engagement marks an important step in translating cooperation between the two organisations into practical improvements in officers’ living conditions. Through the planned housing project, the partnership seeks to address accommodation needs not only at Maun and Boro but at other prisons across the country. Access to suitable housing is an important part of staff welfare, helping officers and their families establish greater stability while supporting the well-being of the workforce.

The Commissioner also toured Boro Prison Farm, where construction of an electric perimeter fence has commenced around the 405.7-hectare facility. The project is intended to improve the security of the farm, which plays a role in agricultural production and provides prisoners with opportunities to develop practical skills through productive work.

During his engagement with the Boro Prison staff, Commissioner Mokento placed particular emphasis on financial preparedness, urging officers to diversify their income and plan for unforeseen circumstances. He cautioned against relying solely on salaries and pensions, noting the importance of building additional sources of financial security for the future.

He highlighted the importance of the Prison Officers Welfare Scheme, which includes savings, Legora investment and the Sports, Recreation and Social Responsibility (SRSR) initiatives. He encouraged officers to remain committed to their investments and allow them to grow, rather than withdraw accumulated interest and leave the schemes prematurely.

The Commissioner also reminded officers that the Prison Service Burial Society operates under the Registrar of Societies Act and urged them to understand its constitutional provisions, particularly those governing dissolution. He encouraged staff to make informed financial decisions and take full advantage of available welfare initiatives.

Turning to operational performance, Commissioner Mokento called for vigilance, strict adherence to procedures and effective supervision. He reminded supervisors of their responsibility to guide junior officers and maintain the standards necessary for safe custody. He challenged Boro Prison to improve the timely submission of parole dockets, supported by comprehensive reports so that eligible prisoners can be assessed by the Parole Board. He also commended the station’s performance during the previous harvest season, encouraging officers to sustain the achievement and develop new initiatives to improve results across other areas of work.

On resource management, the Commissioner expressed concern that some stations continue to report shortages while leaving allocated funds unspent. He stressed that proper planning and the use of approved budgets are essential, including for office supplies, building maintenance, service charges and other operational requirements. He further emphasised the need to secure approval for official travel and submit requests promptly, particularly when emergencies arise.

In his engagement with prisoners, Commissioner Mokento encouraged them to sustain their agricultural efforts, diversify vegetable production to meet their own nutritional needs and sell surplus produce to the public. He also praised them for keeping the facility largely free of contraband, including drugs and mobile phones. The Commissioner highlighted the dangers of drug abuse, particularly among young people and in schools, and urged prisoners to recognise its damaging effects on individuals, families and communities.

Commissioner Mokento is accompanied by Deputy Director of Works and Planning, Assistant Commissioner Tlhagiso Nyati and will continue with the visit to Maun Prison tomorrow.

14/10/2026

BOTSWANA PRISON SERVICE TENDER ADJUDICATION DECISIONS

13/10/2026

10/10/2026

𝗗𝗘𝗣𝗨𝗧𝗬 𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗠𝗜𝗦𝗦𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗘𝗥 𝗠𝗢𝗞𝗪𝗘𝗡𝗔𝗢𝗧𝗦𝗜𝗟𝗘 𝗦𝗧𝗥𝗘𝗡𝗚𝗧𝗛𝗘𝗡𝗦 𝗥𝗘𝗜𝗡𝗧𝗘𝗚𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 𝗘𝗙𝗙𝗢𝗥𝗧𝗦 𝗜𝗡 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗡𝗢𝗥𝗧𝗛𝗘𝗥𝗡 𝗥𝗘𝗚𝗜𝗢𝗡

𝟴–𝟵 𝗢𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 – Successful reintegration begins long before a former prisoner returns home. It depends on whether communities are prepared to offer guidance, acceptance and practical support to help individuals rebuild their lives and avoid returning to crime.

This message was central to engagements led by Deputy Commissioner - Rehabilitation and Reintegration, Keneilwe Mokwenaotsile, with community-based Reintegration Committees across the North East on 8 and 9 October 2026. On 8 October, Deputy Commissioner Mokwenaotsile met committee members in Tonota, Tati Siding, Mmandunyane, Shashe, Semotswane, Phase 4, Donga, Jackalas 1, Tsamaya, Mabudzane and Themashanga. The following day, she continued the engagements in the catchment areas of Masunga, Matenge, Vukwi, Sebina, Marobela, Nshakashogwe, Toteng, Botalaote and Kalakamati.

The visits provided an opportunity to hear from committee members, acknowledge their contribution and reinforce the importance of community involvement in the Offender Reintegration Programme.

DCP Mokwenaotsile commended the committees for their dedication, emphasising that reintegration cannot be achieved by Botswana Prison Service alone. Communities play a vital role in helping ex-offenders adjust to life outside prison, rebuild relationships and find a constructive place in society.

“𝘼𝙘𝙘𝙚𝙥𝙩𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚 𝙙𝙤𝙚𝙨 𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙧𝙚𝙢𝙤𝙫𝙚 𝙥𝙚𝙧𝙨𝙤𝙣𝙖𝙡 𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙥𝙤𝙣𝙨𝙞𝙗𝙞𝙡𝙞𝙩𝙮. 𝙍𝙖𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧, 𝙬𝙝𝙚𝙣 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙗𝙞𝙣𝙚𝙙 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙜𝙪𝙞𝙙𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙨𝙪𝙥𝙥𝙤𝙧𝙩, 𝙞𝙩 𝙜𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙨 𝙚𝙭-𝙤𝙛𝙛𝙚𝙣𝙙𝙚𝙧𝙨 𝙖 𝙗𝙚𝙩𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙤𝙥𝙥𝙤𝙧𝙩𝙪𝙣𝙞𝙩𝙮 𝙩𝙤 𝙢𝙖𝙠𝙚 𝙥𝙤𝙨𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙫𝙚 𝙘𝙝𝙤𝙞𝙘𝙚𝙨, 𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙩𝙧𝙞𝙗𝙪𝙩𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙞𝙧 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙢𝙪𝙣𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙚𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙡𝙚𝙖𝙙 𝙡𝙖𝙬-𝙖𝙗𝙞𝙙𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙡𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙨. 𝙏𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙢𝙪𝙣𝙞𝙩𝙮 𝙞𝙣𝙫𝙤𝙡𝙫𝙚𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙘𝙖𝙣 𝙖𝙡𝙨𝙤 𝙝𝙚𝙡𝙥 𝙧𝙚𝙙𝙪𝙘𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙧𝙞𝙨𝙠 𝙤𝙛 𝙧𝙚𝙤𝙛𝙛𝙚𝙣𝙙𝙞𝙣𝙜, 𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙩𝙧𝙞𝙗𝙪𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙤 𝙨𝙖𝙛𝙚𝙧 𝙣𝙚𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙗𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙝𝙤𝙤𝙙𝙨,” she said.

The engagements highlighted the value of sustained cooperation between the Botswana Prison Service and local communities. Through active Reintegration Committees, communities can help bridge the gap between release and rebuilding a stable life, making reintegration a shared responsibility rather than a challenge left to the individual alone.

Ultimately, successful reintegration is measured not only by a person's release from prison, but by their ability to rebuild their life, contribute positively to society and remain on the right path.

08/10/2026

𝗦𝗘𝗥𝗩𝗜𝗖𝗘 𝗔𝗜𝗠𝗦 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗔𝗟𝗟 𝗢𝗙𝗙𝗜𝗖𝗘𝗥𝗦 𝗧𝗢 𝗔𝗧𝗧𝗔𝗜𝗡 𝗗𝗜𝗣𝗟𝗢𝗠𝗔 𝗜𝗡 𝗣𝗥𝗜𝗦𝗢𝗡 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗖𝗢𝗥𝗥𝗘𝗖𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗔𝗟 𝗠𝗔𝗡𝗔𝗚𝗘𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗧 𝗤𝗨𝗔𝗟𝗜𝗙𝗜𝗖𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡

𝗙𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗼𝘄𝗻, 𝟴 𝗢𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 – Botswana Prison Service is working towards ensuring that all its officers attain a Diploma in Prison and Correctional Management, as part of a long-term drive to build a professionally qualified and highly competent correctional workforce.

Addressing officers at the Francistown Centre for Illegal Immigrants today, Commissioner of Prisons – Commissioner Anthony Mokento said the inaugural Diploma in Prison and Correctional Management programme currently being offered at the Botswana Prison Staff College marked an important step towards achieving this objective.

The Commissioner said the 18-month programme is currently being undertaken by the first cohort of officers at the College, with the long-term goal of having the qualification established as the minimum professional standard for officers serving in the Prison Service. He said officers who are already serving and do not possess the qualification would be able to have their existing knowledge, skills and competencies assessed through the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) system.

RPL is a national quality assurance framework managed by the Botswana Qualifications Authority (BQA), which provides for the assessment and certification of competencies acquired through informal or non-formal learning pathways, including workplace experience and mentorship.

Commissioner Mokento said the intention is therefore to ensure that, over time, all officers in the Service attain the Diploma in Prison and Correctional Management, while emphasising that the initiative would not replace or interfere with the Service’s existing training and development programmes.

He encouraged officers to continue pursuing further education and professional development in different fields to enhance their knowledge and practical skills. However, he advised them to notify the Service before enrolling for any qualification so that their studies could be incorporated into the training plan. He cautioned that officers who pursue studies without prior approval and inclusion in the training plan risked not being reimbursed for their expenses.

Commissioner Mokento also used the engagement to address a range of staff welfare matters, including financial management, the Botswana Prison Service Welfare and Savings Scheme, Legora Insurance, sports and recreation, social responsibility and the Burial Society.

He also provided an update on staff accommodation, highlighting the importance of addressing welfare matters that directly affect officers’ wellbeing and their ability to effectively discharge their responsibilities.

In closing, Commissioner Mokento commended the Francistown Centre for Illegal Immigrants for its performance during the 2026/27 ploughing season, particularly its good harvest. He encouraged officers at the Centre to maintain the momentum and continue contributing to the Service’s broader food security strategy.

08/10/2026

𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗠𝗜𝗦𝗦𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗘𝗥 𝗠𝗢𝗞𝗘𝗡𝗧𝗢 𝗖𝗔𝗟𝗟𝗦 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗨𝗥𝗚𝗘𝗡𝗖𝗬 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗤𝗨𝗔𝗟𝗜𝗧𝗬 𝗥𝗘𝗣𝗢𝗥𝗧𝗦

𝗙𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗼𝘄𝗻, 𝟴 𝗢𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 – Commissioner of Prisons - Commissioner Anthony Mokento has called for closer coordination among psychosocial support officers to ensure that prisoners’ concerns are addressed promptly and that those who qualify for parole are properly assessed.

Commissioner Mokento made the call during an engagement with Programmes Officers at Francistown Prison, bringing together officers from Psychology, Social Work and Chaplaincy. The meeting focused on reducing prisoners’ complaints, improving service delivery and strengthening the rehabilitation and reintegration process.

The Commissioner stressed that matters relating to parole and extra-mural labour must be handled with urgency, noting that these are rights available to qualifying prisoners. He said comprehensive reports on prisoners’ behaviour, progress and response to treatment programmes must be prepared and submitted to the relevant Boards to support proper assessment.

He observed that Francistown Prison has a number of prisoners who qualify for parole, yet the number of reports being submitted remains low. He therefore directed that reports for all prisoners who qualify for parole should be submitted for consideration, regardless of nationality.

The meeting further agreed on the need to harmonise psychosocial services so that Psychology, Social Work and Chaplaincy officers complement one another rather than working in isolation. Officers also agreed to consolidate their reports into comprehensive assessments that clearly trace each prisoner’s rehabilitation progress and readiness for reintegration.

The engagement was attended by Deputy Commissioner, Rehabilitation and Reintegration, Keneilwe Mokwenaotsile.

Earlier, Commissioner Mokento received the Divisional Commander North of the Botswana Police Service, Senior Assistant Commissioner Theriso Thatayotlhe, who paid a courtesy visit focused on strengthening cooperation between the two sister organisations in the Northern Division.

Commissioner Mokento said the Botswana Prison Service, through the North Divisional Office, remains ready to assist the Police with maintenance work at its offices using prison labour. He said the arrangement had proved effective and could contribute to cost containment. SACP Thatayotlhe expressed appreciation for the support, noting that the two organisations have enjoyed a long-standing working relationship which continues to make their work easier.

08/10/2026

AUCTION SALE AT PRISON STAFF COLLEGE