A meticulously organized criminal syndicate, allegedly comprising judicial officers, law enforcement officials, and inmates, has been illicitly issuing “warrants of liberation” to facilitate the release of convicts. This nefarious operation reportedly involves the sale of fraudulent “warrants of liberation” for sums reaching up to P50,000.
A thorough investigation by WeekendPost unearthed that two convicts were released under questionable circumstances, purportedly after paying significant sums of money. A warrant of liberation is a legitimate court document authorizing a prisoner’s release. However, in this instance, the warrants were unlawfully obtained. The investigation identified a convict serving a 25-year sentence, known to this publication, as the alleged orchestrator of the syndicate. This individual is accused of organizing the release of prisoners, particularly those who have served more than five years of their sentences, making them prime candidates for the scheme.
Once a potential candidate is identified and agrees to the financial terms, an insider within the prison collaborates with a judicial officer, typically from the magistrate’s court, who then issues and authorizes an illegal warrant of liberation. This falsified warrant is faxed to the prison holding the prisoner, facilitating their release.
Further investigations revealed that a relative of the prisoner is usually tasked with making the payment, which ranges between P30,000 and P50,000 in cash. The money is handed over to either a judicial officer or a prison official. Additionally, the cartel leader’s family is allegedly compensated to ensure their well-being.
The scheme was uncovered when a suspicious fax was sent from Molepolole Prison to Gaborone, leading to the identification of two convicts who had been released under these fraudulent circumstances. Reliable sources linked these two cases to criminal activities in Jwaneng. It is believed that the families of these convicts paid around P60,000 for their release.
Further investigations suggest that numerous convicts have been freed from prison through this fraudulent system.
When approached for comment, Botswana Prisons Commissioner Antony Mokento acknowledged the allegations, indicating that the matter has been referred to the Botswana Police for further investigation. “At the moment, I do not have much information, but facts will be provided in due course,” Mokento stated.
Meanwhile, a leaked document from the High Court registrar confirmed that no official warrants of liberation had been issued for the two convicts in question. The Botswana Police Service’s Crime Intelligence Branch (CRIB) has been tasked with investigating the alleged cases.
