13 Jul 2015

Deputy Commissioner of Police, Mr Bruno Paledi says the country is currently experiencing a rise in the infiltration of illicit drugs.

Therefore, he called for concerted efforts from various stakeholders to join hands with the police in the fight against the scourge.

Mr Paledi said during the official opening of a campaign against the use of illicit drugs and alcohol abuse held in Kanye recently, that the reality was that the uses of those drugs had negatively affected both the young and the old.

‘’It is a disheartening fact that it is us the elderly who are selling to the young ones.

It is upon us to understand that the future of these children lies squarely upon our shoulders as we are responsible to groom and guide these young souls,” he said.

In order to tackle such a challenge, he said they would adopt a philosophy of community policing, which involves working with the community through public campaigns and outreach educational programs over and above the punitive measures of taking the offenders before the judicial system.

Mr Paledi noted that research had shown that adults as well as children who abuse drugs and alcohol, do so for one reason; freedom.

He said they were searching for freedom from insecurities, fear, rules, social problems, pain and boredom.

“Alcohol and other substance abuse is directly related to many violent crimes.

It is no surprise that these can devastate family life and the lives of our children in particular,” he said.

As the Botswana Police, he said their commitment to Botswana’s long term Vision 2016 could not be over-emphasised as their campaign aspire to achieve not only the pillar of ‘Safe and secure nation’ but also that of ‘an educated and informed nation, ‘a prosperous, productive and innovative nation’, ‘moral and tolerant nation that is united and proud’.

Even though Kgalagadi Brewery Limited (KBL) cooperate manager, Mr Masegonyana Madisa said they sell alcohol to their customers; they were against people who abuse it.
Mr Madisa said there was age limit to those who buy alcohol.

He said they had agreed with government to reduce or limit the time of selling alcohol in bars and restaurants.

Also, he said they had stopped sponsoring sports because they wanted people to drink responsibly.

In addition, he said the alcohol levy had been increased to arrest the situation.

Kanye Administrative council chairman, Mr Tlhomamo Dibeela was concerned about alcohol adverts, which he said could attract people to abuse alcohol.

The event was held under the theme was ‘’People of Integrity Say No to Drug and Alcohol Abuse’’. Ends