13 Oct 2015

Bobirwa Sub-district chairman, Mr Nathaniel Moribame, says Botswana and Zimbabwe are worried by the cross border crime that has escalated between the two countries. Mr Moribame said this during an anti-stock theft workshop at Domboseche along Shashe River.

The workshop aimed at sensitising villagers residing along the border between Botswana and Zimbabwe, that the two countries would not let criminals strain their good relations.

He said the workshop hosted by the Semolale police and crime prevention committee also sensitised villagers about the real impact of crime. Mr Moribame, also councillor for Molalatau, said residents depended on livestock to augment their day-to-day needs and that loss of livestock caused an impact on their lives.

He said with lack of employment, agriculture helped the situation but stealing other people’s properties made them poorer.

Mr Moribame said cross border crime had negative repercussions and the worst case scenario being that it had the potential to disturb peace and tranquil enjoyed by the two countries.

Concerning opening of the entry point at Mmamabaka, he said the ministers concerned with border issues from the two countries were involved in discussions to open the border to ease movement of people.

Participants were drawn from Semolale, Mabolwe, Gobojango and Motlhabaneng from the Botswana side while from Zimbabwe delegates were picked from Mashaba, Kafusi, Bolambaphela, Alesupi, Thakadiawa and Mosendame in the Gwanda South. 

Mr Moribame stated that the workshop was important that it would come up with durable strategies and solutions that would deter cross border crime.

Kgosi Mmirwa Malema and his counterpart from Zimbabwe Obert Ranthasi of Mashaba conquered that the rule of law must be followed and that failure to do so had negative repercussions.

Kgosi Malema said the two countries should not allow irresponsible people to tarnish their relation. Ends