Taming the wild, wild west
Friday, March 20, 2015

No nonsense: Khama is leading local delegates at the illegal wildlife conference. PICS: KEBOFHE MATHE
If the global illegal trade in wildlife can be likened to the notorious Wild West period of America’s 19th century, the sheriff with the shiny badge, gleaming spurs on the boots and glistening gun in hand would be Botswana.
“The harder we hit back, the less motivation they have and it’s about hitting back harder than what they hurt us with. They must know that when you cross the border, you will not be welcomed with a tea party. You must know that you may not go back home with your life.”
From Jakoba's mysterious disappearance on November 9 to the grim discovery of his remains at Mosinki Lands, a gap in the response mechanisms of the police and village leadership has been laid bare. The community's anger is evident, seen in the attack on Bakang Masole, the man found driving Jakoba's taxi and the main suspect, and the subsequent riot. Residents express discontent, citing a troubling trend of missing persons cases often...