16 Nov 2015

Kgosi Alfred Dihutso  has indicated concern over the rate of crime in Mogoditshane, which he says  is a threat to the village's peace and security.

Speaking in an interview with BOPA on Wednesday, Kgosi Dihutso complained that the village has become notorious for criminal activities such as house break-ins, cellphone theft, assault and murder. 

“There are many criminal cases in Mogoditshane and they are caused by the local youth who collaborate with others from other areas such as Kanye and Gaborone, but most of the culprits are not from Mogoditshane since they know that should they be caught we will punish them at the kgotla,” he said.

He further pointed a finger at students as he believes they also have a role to play in the social ills in the village as some engage in fighting, smoking marijuana, theft and drinking alcohol which in the end leads them astray.

“It has become a common occurrence for students from junior schools in Mogoditshane to be brought to the kgotla for engaging in criminal activities but we do not hesitate to instill discipline on them and ensure that they do not repeat the offences. In addition some children are brought from as far as Gaborone to come and be reprimanded in our kgotla,” he said.

He was also quick to point out that girls also participate in criminal activities knowing fully that unlike their male counterparts they would not be lashed.

“The idea that women should not be lashed at the kgotla has led to women committing crime as they know we cannot punish them, and I hope this law would be reviewed soon  as cases are now growing,” he said.

He quickly dismissed the perception that the youth engage in criminal activities due to unemployment as he believes that government has initiatives aimed at assisting the youth to open their own businesses and sustain themselves.

However Kgosi Dihutso said there is relief in that according to their observation, many perpetrators who are lashed at the Kgotla never repeat the same offences.

Although worried about the crime  in his village he expressed  gratitude to the parents in Mogoditshane for their cooperation in combating social ills as  they never defend their children when they are found guilty and lashed at the kgotla.

He further showered words of praise on the police in his village, saying they work day and night to protect residents.

On other issues, Kgosi Dihutso said other dominant cases in his village are dispute over land by family members and  bars that play loud music. Ends