04 Apr 2015

Central Police Station in Francistown is investigating an incident in which Monarch kgotla shelter burnt to ashes recently.

In an interview, station commander, Superintendent Lebalang Maniki, said the cause of the fire was unknown and investigations were at initial stages.

He said if anyone could be found guilty of causing the fire, the maximum penalty could be life sentence imprisonment.

Supt Maniki said they did not know the cost of the goods damaged as there were silver pots, chairs and serving tables inside the shelter. For his part, Francistown City Council fire brigade's Mr Segopolo Sesa encouraged the community to switch off electric appliances after use.

Monarch Court president, Kgosi Gunny Moses, said the fire had set them back because the shelter was a gathering place to address community issues.

He said activities of the day would not stop as there was still enough space to use, adding that they were lucky that the office block was not affected. ENDS