Mmegi

Police warn home ‘butcheries’ owners

Mooketsi stated that meat should be processed in a registered slaughter slab PIC BPS
Mooketsi stated that meat should be processed in a registered slaughter slab PIC BPS

The Botswana Police Service (BPS) has issued a stern warning to people who operate make-shift 'butcheries' from their homes to desist from such operations or face the wrath of the law.

The police view the illegal operations as a health hazard as a similar method is employed by livestock thieves. Of recent, with many Batswana struggling to make ends meet, many have now resorted to slaughtering and selling meat from the comfort of their houses, especially in the Greater Gaborone, something that has attracted the attention of law enforcement. While this helps in generating extra income for families and better their lives, it also comes with problems as some cattle rustlers apply similar modus operandi to sell stolen cattle. Now, this has prompted the police to target businesses viewed as a health risk.

In an interview with Mmegi, the BPS assistant public relations officer, Assistant Superintendent Selebatso Mooketsi, said they have observed a mushrooming trend of people selling meat from homes saying it was illegal. “Selling meat from homes is against the law, which is the Livestock and Meat Industries Act. This poses a danger to public health. Meat for human consumption should only be sold at businesses licensed to sell for public consumption. People should know that meat sold in butcheries and other licensed premises would have undergone tests from slaughter slabs or abattoirs before it could be sold,” she said. Mooketsi stated that meat should be processed in a registered slaughter slab, inspected and certified fit for human consumption. She warned that stern action would be taken against those found selling meat from their homes because the BPS have established that criminals take advantage of these side businesses to steal farmers’ livestock. “Some criminals steal people’s livestock, slaughter them and sell the meat to people selling meat from home at a cheaper price. We have since established that demand for red meat amongst these small businesses fuels stock theft because criminals steal people’s livestock knowing very well that they have a ready market. We want members of the public to know that action will be taken if we find them selling meat from their homes,” Mooketsi said.

She added that meat that is sold from homes can also be risky to its consumers because they will not be able to ascertain its freshness as it can harbour bacteria if not kept well. Mooketsi further urged members of the public to cooperate in reducing stock theft. She said several suspects have been arrested for stock theft up to this point and as part of the ongoing Kgomo-Khumo operation, dedicated stock theft officers have boots on the ground to ensure that those who steal cattle and other livestock are met with the relentless wrath of the law.

Moreover, Mooketsi implored the public to buy meat only from credible retailers so that they do not run the risk of finding themselves on the wrong side of the law. “Instead of buying stolen meat, we are pleading with the public to be responsible citizens and alert the police about those unlicensed butcheries. “We are pleading with the public to report any suspicion of people selling stolen meat. Stock theft remains a concern and we are currently doing everything to help farmers hence pleading with the public to do so,” she said.

Editor's Comment
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We duly congratulate them to have ousted the long ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) from power. Prior to taking power from the BDP, the coalition had made several election promises that are credited for influencing change and swaying the people to vote in its favour.The party had made an undertaking, which its leader and President Duma Boko consistently bellowed in his campaign trail. These undertakings were promises that Batswana would be...

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