Selebi-Phikwe Police Station Commander, Superintendent Victor Nlebesi told Monitor that the operation was special because it included the Botswana Police air wing that was patrolling the district using a helicopter. He explained that it was the first time the police had used a helicopter in the Selebi-Phikwe region, but they will continue engaging it when need arise. The operation involved members of the Botswana Defence Force (BDF), departments of Labour, Immigration, Prisons and Central Transport Organisation (CTO).
"We targeted places that are crime prone in Selebi-Phikwe, Robelela, Mmadinare, Mogapi, Sefophe, Botshabelo and Tobane villages. We also managed to find piles of stolen copper cables hidden in the hills at the southern part of this town," Nlebesi said.
He said the offences that the suspects committed were over staying in Botswana, border jumping, working and staying without permits. He explained that seven Batswana were charged for hiring foreigners without work permits and two Chinese companies were also fined for hiring foreigners without permits. He also added that a Motswana was also arrested for driving a vehicle that had items believed to have been stolen and three drivers were also charged for driving without drivers' licences. Nlebesi said the suspects had to pay fines ranging between P20 and P1000 depending on the magnitude of the offence.
