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afrol News, 17 October - Alice Banda, a reporter from the privately-owned weekly 'Voice' newspaper, has received numerous threatening telephone calls following an investigative article published in the 'Voice' on 4 October on illegal abortions carried out by Francistown medical doctors. Abortion is illegal in Botswana. Ms Banda went undercover for three months claiming to be five months pregnant and discovered that five out of seven registered doctors in Francistown were willing to terminate her pregnancy at about Pula 800 (approximately US$ 133) and Pula 3 200 (about US$ 533). Francistown is Botswana's second largest commercial centre and situated approximately 433 km from the capital, Gaborone. Ms Banda told the Botswana chapter of the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA-Botswana) that she has received about 15 intimidating calls on her cell phone from anonymous callers, both men and women, in response to her 4 October report. The warnings she has received include the following: "You've messed up your life and you'll see! This time you'll really become pregnant. Police won't watch you at night. Watch your step! The wages of sin is death! If you think you're standing firm, watch out lest you fall." Ms Banda remains adamant to continue her work of serving the public with information despite the many threats she has received. She informed MISA-Botswana that she feels "emotionally and psychologically traumatised" and has had the support of her family and colleagues. Meanwhile, the 'Voice' reports that the Commanding Officer for Francistown police Boikhutsho Dintwa has congratulated Alice Banda for a job well done and has assured her of police protection. Mr Banda confirmed that a police officer has visited her at the 'Voice' offices to check on her safety. The 'Voice' has a circulation of about 15 000. It has been in existence for just over 10 years and is owned by Ms Beata Kasale and Mr Don Moore.
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