Demand for Police oversight grows after Tshedu’s death

Botswana’s long-standing reputation as one of Africa’s most respected policing institutions for human rights and governance is under renewed scrutiny following a petition concerning the death of 13-year-old Retshepile “Tshepi” Tshedu from Sehithwa. The petition, submitted to Parliament on Thursday in the presence of Vice President Ndaba Gaolathe and lawmakers, accuses authorities of failing to thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding the child’s death, initially reported as a suicide by hanging on May 17, 2025. Subsequent post-mortem findings revealed that Tshepi had allegedly been subjected to prolonged sexual abuse and had tested positive for sexually transmitted infections.

These revelations have raised serious doubts about whether the case was prematurely closed and whether critical investigative avenues were pursued. For many, the findings suggest a tragic story of a child who may have suffered in silence, with warning signs overlooked or dismissed. The petitioners argue that the case highlights deeper systemic flaws in how complaints about police conduct are handled, especially when officers are tasked with investigating themselves.

Civil society groups, members of the public, and academics contend that the Tshedu case underscores the urgent need for an independent police oversight body to receive complaints against the Botswana Police Service and to review investigations involving alleged misconduct or negligence. Currently, Botswana lacks a fully independent external mechanism dedicated specifically to police accountability. Critics say that without such a body, citizens whose rights may have been violated must rely on the very institution accused of wrongdoing to conduct investigations, a situation that undermines public confidence and transparency.

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While some have pointed to the Ombudsman as a possible avenue for accountability, legal experts note that the office’s broad mandate and limitations under the Ombudsman Act reduce its effectiveness in addressing police misconduct. Certain exclusionary provisions bar the Ombudsman from intervening in cases already under investigation or those deemed operational policing matters. Petitioners contend that complaints involving police inaction or mishandling often fail to receive the independent scrutiny they require.

The petition delivered to Parliament calls for immediate intervention by the Commissioner of Police, the Director of Public Prosecutions, and the Ministry of Justice, Defence and Security. It also appeals for UNICEF’s involvement, citing the need for child protection oversight and support to ensure justice in cases involving minors. Kemmy Mpinang, CEO of the Rea Bua Foundation and a lead organizer of the petition, said, “We are demanding a fresh, transparent investigation into Tshepi Tshedu’s death, including scrutiny of the initial response, the handling of evidence, and whether potential suspects were adequately pursued.” She added that the petitioners are also calling for institutional reforms to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

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