29 Jul 2015

Shakawe Police Station Commander, Superintendant Goitsemodimo Molapisi raised concern about the escalating crime rate perpetrated mostly by youngsters in the village.

Speaking in an interview recently, Supt Molapisi said the crime rate was high when compared to the village’s population.

He said common offences which were a cause for concern included assaults, break-ins and stock theft, adding that most of the acts happen at night with perpetrators under the influence of alcohol as well as drugs.

Supt Molapisi said the youth who indulge in such acts gave poverty as the reason for stealing food items.

The station commander blamed the increase on stock theft cases on farmers who fail to take care of their livestock, adding that some farmers have no kraals.

Supt Molapisi said farmers notice their missing livestock after a long time, and that they ended up reporting the matter late hence making investigations difficult to apprehend culprits.

He also pointed out that the community was failing to work cooperatively with the police to curb crime in the area.

“People have a tendency of saying crime prevention is for police officers as they are getting paid, and refuse to reveal evidence forgetting that these crime also affect them.”

Supt Molapisi urged residents to join crime prevention clusters in high numbers to build a peaceful and safe village.

Already, they have formed 17 clusters in Shakawe and the outskirts which were led by headmen, he added. Ends