19 Nov 2015

Kgosi Kebonyetsala Fish of Nokaneng in the Okavango district has expressed concern at the rising incidents of stock theft in his village and its sorrounding areas.

He said in an interview that they receive many reports from residents on weekly basis complaining about their missing goats, sheep and cattle noting that the criminals have taken advantage of the LIMID porgramme which supply small stock to beneficiaries.

Kgosi Fish said since the implementation of the programme, many residents have been crying foul as their livestock was stolen and sold to LIMID beneficiaries.

He said small kraals had been constructed in the bush where stolen goats and sheep are kept adding that it is difficult to identify small stock because they bear no brand mark (Tshipi). In addition, he pointed out that cattle are also stolen especially young calves as they are also not branded.

He said most cases are referred to Sehithwa police for further investigations. Although he expressed disappointment at some people who withdraw cases claiming that they will resolve them at home adding that this frustrates their effort to combat crime.

Kgosi Fish expressed concern at the involvement of young people in criminal activities. He said it is disheartening to see young people taking the lead in criminal activities and pointed a finger at parents for failing to play their role by reprimanding their children.

Parents were urged to join hands with the government in the fight against crime. Kgosi acknowledged  the fact that some children are disrespectful to their parents but encouraged parents to bring them to the kgotla for corporal punishment.

He advised parents to encourage their children to live positive and responsible lives and to avoid becoming perpetrators in these crimes as they attract heavy prison sentences which may negatively impact on their future.

Kgosi Fish also revealed that recently some culprits broke into the kgotla offices and walked away with criminal files, flag and some police property. He said after some a few days the files were seen in a pit latrine in the kgotla premises by one of the officers.

The matter is still under investigation. He mentioned that the police were trying hard to fight crime although they were challenged by shortage of officers, transport and other limited resources.

He said the police organized a workshop during the past week to sensitize the community about the escalating incidents of crime in their village with a view to coming up with workable solutions to curb it.

During the workshop, he said it was indicated that some farmers stay for months in towns and villages without checking on their livestock and thus leading to criminals taking advantage. Ends