Police crackdown on bars, other businesses sparks backlash
Lesedi Mkhutshwa | Monday December 15, 2025 06:47
Earlier this month, the popular Bridgeway Bar took the police to court over the unlawful confiscation of their trading licence and music equipment, which resulted in the forced closure of the business facility for two days.
Furthermore, Kingstar (Pty) Ltd t/a Bridgeway Bar Serowe won the case with costs against the Botswana Police Service at the Maun High Court.
In a statement on their official Facebook page, Bridgeway Bar expressed appreciation for the court's ruling, highlighting the ordeal they endured at the hands of Serowe police officers.
The statement also reads, ' the court order not only addresses the harm suffered by our business, but also reinforces an important message that due process must be followed and that businesses have the right to operate without unlawful disruption.'
In his address during the Kutlwano market stall launch, Ntsima emphasised the importance of striking a balance between enforcing laws and regulations, particularly during the festive season and supporting small businesses.
He acknowledged the crucial role that entertainment venues play in the economy, noting that shutting them down can hurt small businesses.
He further said that small business owners are often the primary breadwinners for their families.
The Minister expressed a concern over reports of police officers closing bars for playing music or hosting performances, urging law enforcement to exercise discretion and engage with business owners to find mutually beneficial solutions.
'I encourage law enforcement officers not to be quick to take decisions by closing up bars but rather engage the bar owners so that a consensual decision can be reached,' he said.
On another note, Ntsima highlighted a case where a youth's application for a games room business was rejected due to the lack of a toilet and running water, despite these not being the initial requirements for the licence.
He stated that such businesses should not be rejected completely, but rather, authorities should find ways to accommodate emerging businesses. Selebi-Phikwe West Member of Parliament, Reuben Kaizer, has echoed Minister Tiroeaone Ntsima's sentiments. He emphasised the need to protect and support small businesses in town.
Kaizer stated that lawmakers have a duty to safeguard the interests of business communities and avoid imposing overly restrictive laws.
Speaking in support of small businesses, Kaizer highlighted the challenges faced by entrepreneurs, particularly those operating in the informal sector.
He noted that many small business owners are forced to occupy land unlawfully due to circumstances beyond their control, simply because they are trying to provide for their families. 'If you remove small businesses from the roads, where do you want them to go?' Kaizer asked.
He warned that neglecting small businesses could have dire consequences, including increased unemployment and crime.
'If they go home, and some of the unemployed beneficiaries will have no choice but to come for all of you. You will blame them, and you forget that you had a role to play,' he cautioned.
The MP urged authorities to adopt a more accommodating approach, allowing vendors to sell even if they don't have licenses.'Let vendors sell despite not having licenses, and you have to find a way to accommodate them,' he said.
Kaizer also announced that he would be issuing a call for vendors who have been charged for operating without licenses, to have their charges revoked.
According to the Selebi-Phikwe West MP, for over nine years the town has been surviving because of the Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises (SMME)which have contributed immensely to the local economy.
He credited small businesses with maintaining and supporting the town's economy, particularly after the closure of the BCL mine.