New breed of 'tsotsis' terrorises Mahalapye

DIRANG LEKUNTWANE
Correspondent | Friday December 10, 2010 00:00

 

Although it does not have major features commonly associated with urbanization such as the mines, and industrial plants, Mahalapye village has always been treated as a town. One of the residents said Botswana Railways (BR), whose headquarters are located in the village might have influenced this state of affairs. The company, which was in the past run in partnership with Zimbabwe Railways, built the shacks next to its railway station where it accommodated most of its employees from Mahalapye and its surrounding areas.

'Mafia', is one place commonly known for its daring tricksters starting from the time of the popular 'Pantsula' dance, and renowned dancers often came from this village. They used to travel for competitions as far as Lobatse, a southern town, which has similar features found in Mahalapye in the Central District.

There, they use to win both cash and trophies. I still remember some of the dancers such as Lekoro, Frankel and others who I hardly meet nowadays. But for Frankel, I recently met him but the sad part about this gentleman is that he appears sick, not only sick but mentally disturbed. These were 'tsotsis' known for their good dancing, good looks, nice attire and stylish way of walking which won them admiration? .

But as I grew up in this village, this place developed a new trend of 'tsotsi' who often imitated the real 'tsotsis' in the likes of the famous 'Manyama' who now is a very responsible man and leads a relaxed life of a mature man.

And I believe he will agree with me that during their hay-day they did their pick pocketing for fun and fame.

Because at times they would steal something, including money, from an old woman but upon realising that she was destitute, return the loot and warn the victim that next time she would not be so lucky. However, now we have a new generation of both the young 'tsotsi' who seem to have perfected their tricks to make ends meet.

These are young boys and (believe it or not) girls who now steal for survival. They are merciless and won't be deterred by anything. They steal for life.

They demand. They do not only threaten but they could go to the extent of killing for money. Stealing to them has become the only means of survival especially because they cannot, they believe, find jobs. They openly cite lack of employment as a contributing factor in turning them into hardcore criminals and thieves who now prey on other people for a living.

Mahalapye now is commonly known as a place where you need to literally open your eyes when get to the bus rank, or visit the old shopping mall. As a traveller or commuter you need to be very carefully when you walk around its passages lest you become a victim. These young boys and girls are familiar faces to the residents of the village.

These 'tsotsis' often come from the nearby wards of Borotsi, Botalaote, Xhosa 2 and the most feared one Xhosa 1. As they roam the streets especially at month ends, they are ruthless and leave no stone unturned. Most of the residents who visit the mall or bus rank on their daily street-vending business and the employees who work in the mall area are familiar with them. Despite the presence of a police station nearby these marauding gangsters do not seem to care.

Police often catch themwith stolen property from the shops. The nearby main Kgotla is also familiar with their faces. They are often whipped, given suspended sentences and or banned from visiting the mall for a certain period. But they will continue to take the risk over and over again.

They are a big nuisance to the community. But they are on a mission for survival, they claim. Their main area of operation is between the Old Age Post Office and the last shop of the mall, Eureka.

Slowly they move in groups of three to five ready to pounce. The reason behind moving in groups is for others to keep an eye on those who might see what is going on. Others are to ensure they do not walk into traps or police ambush. That is not all because there is yet another group which warns would-be whistle-blowers to keep out of the way. When they strike they will skillfully disappear from the mall or bus rank into nearby shebeens to drink Chibuku, leaving their victims in tears.

But when they are not so lucky and get caught, they are often pounded to pulp by the instant justice brigade.