04 Mar 2015

Assistant Superintendent Amos Solomon of Shakawe police says incidents of drowning in the Okavango River have dropped significantly over the past year.

He said in an interview that, last year they recorded only two cases as compared to six in the previous year.

He indicated that the incidents of drowning usually occurred during the fishing season, as well as during reed harvesting time adding that in most cases people use traditional canoes.

He said in most incidents, the canoes capsize after being attacked by hippos in the river.

Assistant Superintendent Solomon noted that efforts had been made by police to embark on public education campaigns to educate the communities to be cautious when fishing.

He said they also discouraged them to use traditional canoes. He said it was ideal that engine boats be used as they also scare away animals.

On other issues, Shakawe police raised a concern about the incidents of stock theft in the area. Mr Solomon said stock theft was rampant in their policing area because farmers do not ear mark and brand their cattle.

He mentioned the affected areas such as Ghani, Chukumuchu, Sekondomboro and Xaudum noting that recently six men from Sekondomboro were sentenced to 5 years in prison for stealing three donkeys in December last year.

He also complained about some people who steal and slaughter cattle at night and then sell the meat to butcheries. He said many cattle skins, bearing brands have been found buried in the bush.

He said the situation is worsened by farmers who fail to look after their cattle.

He appealed to the community at large to stop the habit of selling stolen meat to butcheries and also urged butchery owners to follow the right procedure when buying cattle for slaughter.

Assistant Superintendent Solomon appealed to the public to join hands with police in the fight against crime in the area. ENDS