Khama hears a litany of complaints

Khama said this yesterday at a Kgotla meeting here.  Welcoming the President, Xhosa 1 Headman Kgosi Ponoyame Kefilwe, said they are concerned about illegal mining of river sand in the village's main river because it poses a threat to the environment, especially livestock.  He said crime is escalating in the village and that Xhosa 1 is of particular concern, although the police are doing everything they can to fight it, especially through their recently introduced helicopter patrols.

In his response to Kgosi Kefilwe's concerns regarding illegal harvesting of river sand, the Minister of Minerals, Ponatshego Kedikilwe, said harvesters should consult with community leaders, including the Kgosi, the police, the land board and the Ministry of Wildlife and Tourism before his ministry can provide them with permits to harvest the river sand.