Police Chopper Gives Crime War New Sting
Calistus Kolantsho
Correspondent
SELEBI-PHIKWE: Botswana police arrested 160 people during Operation Matlhagolatsela held on December 14-15.
| | |
| |  |
Selebi-Phikwe Police Station Commander, Superintendent Victor Nlebesi told Monitor that the operation was special because it included the Botswana Police air wing that was patrolling the district using a helicopter. He explained that it was the first time the police had used a helicopter in the Selebi-Phikwe region, but they will continue engaging it when need arise. The operation involved members of the Botswana Defence Force (BDF), departments of Labour, Immigration, Prisons and Central Transport Organisation (CTO).
"We targeted places that are crime prone in Selebi-Phikwe, Robelela, Mmadinare, Mogapi, Sefophe, Botshabelo and Tobane villages. We also managed to find piles of stolen copper cables hidden in the hills at the southern part of this town," Nlebesi said.
He said the offences that the suspects committed were over staying in Botswana, border jumping, working and staying without permits. He explained that seven Batswana were charged for hiring foreigners without work permits and two Chinese companies were also fined for hiring foreigners without permits. He also added that a Motswana was also arrested for driving a vehicle that had items believed to have been stolen and three drivers were also charged for driving without drivers' licences. Nlebesi said the suspects had to pay fines ranging between P20 and P1000 depending on the magnitude of the offence.
He observed that it is still a concern to find that construction companies are still hiring foreigners without work permits leaving Batswana out who can do the same job. He also mentioned that it is a shame to arrest so many people immediately after they held another operation two weeks back where they arrested 120 suspects. Nlebesi says this is an indication that they have a lot to do because they cannot let people work in Botswana if they are not willing to comply with the laws of this country."The police will be patrolling the streets of Selebi-Phikwe together with the members of the BDF over the festive season and I call upon members of the public to corporate with them. Our job is to protect Batswana and that is what we will be doing. People must avoid leaving their houses unoccupied when they go for holidays because criminals will easily break into them," Nlebesi said.
He warned that there are some people who are still being cheated by people who claim to increase money, explaining that it is impossible for anybody to increase money by magic.
He warned Batswana to be on the lookout for such criminals. Nlebesi advised travellers to make sure that their vehicles are serviced and in good condition to cover long distances.
He also mentioned that there are satellite police stations at Ikageleng and Kagiso customary courts and police posts at Mmadinare and Robelela, which are open 24 hours. He said people should use these facilities and seek any help that they require.
