Bomb scare at OP

ISAIAH MOREWAGAE
Staff Writer | Thursday March 4, 2010 00:00

 

The device, which some suspect to be a bomb was found at a time when cabinet ministers were meeting at the OP. The police say the device was safely detonated at the scene with no resulting injuries.

Police spokesperson, Christopher Mbulawa said the discovery was immediately followed by a surveillance alert that resulted in the swift mobilisation of emergency response by security units.

'The Botswana Police Service is investigating an incident in which at 8.30am, an explosive device was discovered at the car park behind the Office of the President,' Mbulawa said.  He said the scene was quickly secured with people being evacuated from the adjacent offices. He added that thorough investigations are ongoing to determine the nature and origin of the device.

'We further wish to reassure members of the public that the situation has been contained and appeal to the public to be vigilant. Should they see any suspicious device or circumstance, they should exercise caution, while immediately bringing their suspicion to the attention of the nearest police or public authority,' Mbulawa said.

He thanked members of the public for their calm and cooperation in dealing with yesterday's event.  'While investigations are continuing there will be limits to what information may be divulged.  We shall, however, strive to release such further information as we can, and when it is appropriate to do so. In the meantime we would like to appeal to all members of the public to continue to exercise restraint,' Mbulawa said. 

The permanent secretary to the President, Eric Molale said at the scene that they were told to evacuate the premises because something dangerous had been discovered in the vicinity. 

He said they were holding a cabinet meeting when they were alerted of the danger. 'We were told to evacuate the premises and get our vehicles out of the place,' Molale said. 

There are however some who doubt the bomb scare story and claim it is a hoax used by overzealous security agents who want to use security to control the public. US President George Bush is said to have effectively duped American people post -September 11.

The Douting Thomases say the Defence Ministry is presenting a budget next week and this  scare could be used as a public sweetner so that no one raises question about their budget.