Selokwana residents demand police post
Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | Wednesday January 21, 2026 06:00
The concerns were raised during a kgotla meeting held on Saturday and addressed by area councillor Ontiretse Bogatsu. Residents told the meeting that criminals are increasingly targeting students from Botekanelo College, pupils from nearby primary schools, as well as households during the night. “We are no longer safe in our own homes,” one resident said. “Students are attacked on their way to school, and at night thieves break into our houses. We need a police post here.” Selokwana ward chairperson Motsholathebe Kgori said crime has become rampant and appears to be escalating.
“There is no day that passes without a crime report,” Kgori said. “What makes matters worse is that some of these thieves are using cars to steal small stock from our ploughing fields.”
He explained that the ward is surrounded by fields close to the hills, which makes it easier for criminals to operate undetected. “Our ward includes ploughing fields next to the hill, and that exposes us even more,” he added.
Apart from crime, residents also expressed frustration over poor internal roads, which they say have deteriorated over the years. Kgori noted that despite Selokwana being one of the older wards in Tlokweng, it has lagged in development.
“Our ward is old, but it does not have developments like Mmaratanang, which is new,” he said.
He attributed the poor state of roads to damaged stormwater drainage systems. “When it rains, this area floods badly. The roads become impassable, and the situation keeps getting worse every rainy season,” Kgori said.
Another resident Letlotlo Ramosweu urged community members to work together to address some of the challenges. “Our council has serious financial constraints, even to buy diesel for road maintenance,” Ramosweu said. “It is our cars that get damaged, so when government is facing financial challenges, we must also contribute something from our pockets.”
Meanwhile, some residents complained about the mushrooming of churches in the ward, saying noise pollution during weekdays and weekends has become unbearable. “We respect churches, but the noise is too much. Council must intervene,” one resident said.
Responding to the issues, Bogatsu acknowledged residents’ concerns and said the Tlokweng District Council has been allocated P63 million from the road levy. “Not all the money has been received yet, and it is mainly meant for stormwater drainage because floods have affected many wards,” she said. “This ward will benefit, as flooding from this area affects other parts of Tlokweng.” Bogatsu admitted that the district is facing financial challenges.
“Our district is still new, and we do not collect rates,” she said. “However, we are exploring partnerships with the private sector. All your concerns have been noted and will be followed up on.” On the issue of the police post, Bogatsu said she is in talks with the station commander on it.