Cops' deafening silence raises eyebrows
Pini Bothoko - Innocent Selatlhwa | Tuesday March 1, 2022 06:00
Police issued a statement just after 4pm on February 23 stating: “Nine men aged between 20 and 35 of Botswana and South African origin died in an exchange of fire with members of the Botswana Police Service in Phase 2, Gaborone”.
The press release was issued while the police were still at the crime scene of the shoot out following an incident in which 11 armed men attacked and robbed Security Systems cash-in-transit motor vehicle of over P986,000 at the Main Mall.
They further stated that a woman was arrested in the company of the robbers and that four pistols and an AK47 assault rifle were found in their possession.
While it was commendable for the police to communicate timely then, it would seem like they are now hiding something as information is not forthcoming. The police never issued a statement following the killing of the 10th suspect and told journalists that followed up with them that they would provide an update.
The Monitor has been trying to get updates from authorities since the incident. It would however seem like there was a resolution to keep the public in the dark probably because the defence minister had not been briefed.
Police chief public relations officer, Assistant Commissioner Dipheko Motube’s mobile phone rang unanswered on Sunday until press time. Before then, he had promised this publication on Friday morning that they were working on a statement they would share. To date, there is no update.
Motube’s assistant, Senior Superintendent Near Bagali could not field any questions referring this publication to his boss. Seeking more clarity on the matter, The Monitor reached Director of Crime Intelligence, Nunu Lesetedi who also could not comment stating that it was a sensitive matter and that the right person to speak on it would be Motube.
For his part, the Directorate of Intelligence and Security public relations officer, Edward Robert also referred questions to Motube. He said he could not speak on their role in the operation stating that it was for the police to speak.
Minister of Defence, Justice and Security Kagiso Mmusi said he had been away and is yet to be briefed. “I have been away at the Botswana- Zimbabwe Bi-National Commission in Zimbabwe and only arrived yesterday. I will only be briefed by the police when I meet them tomorrow after Cabinet. That is when we will decide on how we will communicate with the nation,” he said.
Mmusi recently called on the police to do whatever it takes to eliminate those who commit ‘petty crimes’. This was after a video showing thieves attacking motorists surfaced on social media.
This publication had wanted to know amongst other things; identities of the suspects; what other cases they were suspected to have taken part in; who the woman is and what charges she faces; and when she would appear in court; what roles of other security organs were; establish the health status of the suspected woman and injured police officer and more.
With the police remaining silent, there is rife speculation that the whole thing could have been a planned execution to get rid of the notorious thugs who have been on the radar of security organs.