By noon today, the country would have received most if not all the visitors who will be competing or officiating in the Games. Over 2,000 athletes and 400 officials from across the African continent are expected to come for the events. It is a huge credit to Botswana to host an event of this magnitude for the first time. In the past, we have watched with envy as other countries host the Africa Cup of Nations, the World Cup and other big sporting events. As you read this, hotels and lodges in Gaborone, Lobatse and Molepolole are fully-booked. Some are here for the games, while others are on different missions.
In the latter group, there may be potential party spoilers, and everyone has got to be on the look out for them. These are criminals who take advantage of any public gathering of this magnitude to reap where they did not sow. They can be drug dealers, paedophiles, rapists or thieves who are hungry for their next victim. We appeal to our guests to be on the look out for these elements who camouflage as innocent bystanders, sports fanatics and probably posing as security agents or games officials. For those who are not familiar with our country, we urge you to be careful when talking to strangers. If you are in need of assistance, ask a uniformed police officer or games official for help.
