from ODIRILE TOTENG in Gaborone, Botswana
Botswana Bureau
GABORONE, (CAJ News) – BOTSWANA authorities are cracking the whip on abuse of social media.
During the clampdown, Botswana Police Service (BPS) arrested an 18-year-old man that has since been convicted by the Maun Customary Court north of the country.
Lestsema Sephuthe of Qhabara Ward of Maun has been sentenced to six strokes for using “insulting language” through a social media platform.
The court ruled recently this was contrary to Section 91 (c) of the Penal Code of the Laws of Botswana.
BPS has reacted to the sentencing.
“BPS wishes to remind members of the public that the misuse of social media to among others insult, defame or harass others constitutes a criminal offence,” Near Bagali, Assistant Commissioner of Police and BPS Public Relations Officer, stated.
“Members of the public are therefore urged to exercise responsibility and respect when engaging on digital platforms. The BPS reiterates that while social media is a powerful tool for communication, its misuse will not be tolerated.”
Usually, Section 91(c) of the Penal Code of Botswana deals with defamation of the president.
It states that “any person who publishes or communicates words, signs, or other visible representations that are defamatory of the president is guilty of an offence.”
Current head of state, Duma Boko, has been president of the Southern African country since 2024.
Botswana’s primary legislation against cyber-crime are the Computer Misuse and Cyber Crimes Act (2018) and the Data Protection Act (2024).
– CAJ News