08 Nov 2016

Selebi Phikwe police held a workshop with business operators in Mmadinare and Selebi Phikwe in an effort to sensitise the business community about security measures that need to be put in place to secure businesses.

They also sensitised the business community on general business security issues, the laws and bye-laws regulating business and best ways to combat crime in the areas.

Speaking during the workshop Botswana Business Committee Chairperson Mr Allen Lekwapa said business operators should work as a team to secure their businesses. He said securing businesses was not the responsibility of the police alone but also the responsibility of business owners and encouraged them to carry out necessary precautions such as installing security alarms, hidden CCTV cameras as well as engaging security personnel in order to protect their property. 

The Mmadinare station executive committee member Mr Mark Thipe highlighted that lack of network among business owners makes it difficult to control crime. He urged business owners to know each other, network and work as a unit to combat crime instead of only relying on law enforcement officers to keep their business safe. 

“Police officers cannot manage the fight against crime alone, they need you the business community to play a role and assist them to bring down crime. We are also concerned that some residents know the culprits who commit criminal activities in our society such as breaking into shops, but keep quiet because they are friends or relatives with the culprits. However, in order to defeat crime we need to report any person who goes against the law. This will build mutual trust between the police and the community as well as businesses in the area,” he said.

He also noted that the committee intends to build a two way communication strategy with the business community to share information on how to combat crime affecting business in the area.

Kgosi Galeage Holland commended the Botswana Police Service for the effort and hard work they have put in securing the nation and protecting people and their valuables. However he stated that more effort from Batswana in general needs to be exerted to help police in combating crime around the country. He said that the number of cases on crime being reported every day is still increasing which is a concern.

He urged business owners to work hand in hand with the police to help reduce crime. Further, he encouraged business owners to secure their business premises with any form of security to keep their assets safe. He also urged them to stop the habit of leaving money in tills after working hours.

Meanwhile, business operators who attended the workshop appreciated the Botswana Police Service for the support. Some business men and women indicated that the workshop came in handy as they received information on how to best combat crime working together as business people. 

They also requested the local authority and the police to consider installing tower and street lights in Mmadinare to help curb crime. ENDS