Zimbabwean man denied medication in Botswana jail

A 39-year-old Zimbabwean refugee in Botswana has told the Francistown Magistrate Court that prison officials denied him medical assistance after accusing him of having Foot and Mouth disease while in custody.

Tshepang Moyo pleaded with Francistown Magistrate Dumisani Basupi to help him get medical assistance.

The man, who is serving a jail term for unlawful possession of dagga, faces another charge of possession of ammunition.

"Officers in prison are saying I will infect them with Foot and Mouth. I don't know why they are saying that," he told the court.

Baffled by the accusations, Magistrate Basupi asked a prison warder Sergeant Imanga if there was any truth in what Moyo said.

"Is it true Foot and Mouth can be found in humans? I thought FMD is only found in animals and livestock and can't be passed on the humans, "quizzed Basupi.

Much to the amazement of the court Moyo told court, "When I ask them to take my blood samples to check if I have Foot and Mouth, the officers ask if I will pay because I am a refugee. I told them Red Cross will pay."

Magistrate Basupi told the prison warden to investigate the matter.

"Ensure the accused receives the necessary medical attention. And report to me in my chambers on the 19th of March 2015," order Basupi.