15 Dec 2014

Residents of Mabesekwa have complained about illegal immigrants who reportedly disturb peace in the village.

Addressing a kgotla meeting on December 9, the headman, Kgosi Tshwaro Masisi said several cases had been reported to them by the locals, who felt they were not safe from these immigrants.

He said the reports indicated that the illegal immigrants commit criminal offences, which included among others theft, assault, rape and even murder. Kgosi Masisi said he has personally witnessed an incident whereby a local woman was axed by one of the illegal immigrants.

He informed the residents that they should be aware of the fact that these illegal immigrants take advantage of the fact that they do not have the relevant documents and as such they cannot be traced easily.

He pleaded with the locals to stop harbouring such people as they make it difficult for the village elders to address the problem.

For his part, Kgosi Gaolebe Selei said that despite being cautioned several times of the risks involved in accommodating such people, the female locals get involved in romantic relationships with some of these foreign men.

He said it is only when these relationships go sour that they report them, adding that the situation is heartbreaking because some of the local young girls end up choosing to cohabit with these men instead of focusing on their education.

Kgosi Selei said some of the parents in the village raised concern regarding this matter, and have given him permission to flog these young women should he come across such cases.

He highlighted that the issue is not being a foreigner but that they should have the right documents, which would enable them to live and work freely in Botswana.

Furthermore, he said they should understand that Botswana is a peaceful country, where people are encouraged to live in harmony and as such they should retract from committing criminal offences.

Tonota Police Station Commander, Superintendent Kenanao Badumetse, asked for cooperation from the locals.

He said the residents should cooperate with the police and the volunteers in the village as this will benefit them, and further encouraged neighbourhood watch, especially during the festive season. Supt Badumetse highlighted poor attendance in kgotla meetings as one of the issues hindering spreading the message on such matters.

“If people do not attend these meetings, it becomes difficult for them to know what the law entails,” He told the residents that they should be aware that if they are found accommodating or harbouring an illegal immigrant, they will be fined P5000 without negotiation.

Supt Badumetse said that people should be aware that crime affects everyone and as such they should cooperate where necessary to address the problem. ENDS