Moroka an epicentre of cross-border crime
Lesedi Mkhutshwa | Wednesday March 25, 2026 06:01
According to Moroka village leader, Kgosi George Moroka, the borderline fence is in a dilapidated state, facilitating illegal activities like fuel smuggling, car theft, cattle rustling, and drug and human trafficking.
'The petrol and diesel are being smuggled at night and even during the day, as this is a common thing,' Moroka stated.
He added that criminals also smuggle drugs like dagga and methcathinone (CAT), and there are cases of human trafficking, with strangers in the village who do not speak the local language.
The situation is affecting the local community, with problems like foot-and-mouth disease outbreaks due to the damaged fence. Moroka suggested constructing an electric fence along the borderline to address the issues.
RAMOJAKGA Crime Prevention Committee spokesperson Kgotlaetsile Malanga echoed Moroka's concerns, stating that crime rates are high, and children are idolising smugglers.
'When some of the children are questioned on what they want to be when they grow up, they told us that they want to be Sefahlafahla,' he said, using a local term for smugglers.
Tshesebe Police Station commander, Superintendent Mothusi Phadi, reported on crime statistics, highlighting cases of housebreaking, defilement, and robbery.
The situation in Moroka village is dire, with police statistics painting a grim picture. According to Phadi, in 2024, there were 24 cases of housebreaking, defilement, and robbery, whilst in 2025, there were 22 cases.
This year alone, nine cases have been registered, he added.
He further said that the police have also recorded 2,406 illegal immigrants in 2024 and 3,809 in 2025, with 813 arrested this year.
Phadi stated that fuel smuggling is a significant issue, with 12,420 litres of fuel seized in 2024 and 1,590 litres in 2025.
He blamed villagers for harbouring criminals and urged them to report crimes like defilement to protect children's futures.
Phadi also noted that fuel smuggling is a significant issue, with locals storing fuel in their homes and selling it to smugglers.
He suggested that the quality of fuel in Botswana makes it a target for smugglers.
He stated that the police are introducing measures like cameras and drones to combat crime in the area.
For his part, the Botswana Unified Revenue Service (BURS) customs operation manager, Otsilegape Batlhalefi, reported they recorded 121 cases of smuggling last year, with goods valued at P7 million.
He said that BURS has been intensifying efforts to curb smuggling, including deploying tactical teams at border posts. He stated that smuggled goods often include prohibited vegetables, illegal tobacco products and other contraband.
Batlhalefi stated that some of the smuggling hotspots include the Ramokgwebana border gate.
BURS has been working to strengthen border security and enforce customs regulations, with a focus on high-risk consignments and bonded warehouses, he added.