05 Dec 2016

Stakeholders have been encouraged to combine efforts in crime prevention to promote Maun as a harmonious destination.

Deputy Commissioner of Police Tapudzani Gabolekwe said tourists and investors sought an attractive place synonymous with peace and free of crime to visit and do business.

However, he said although statistics revealed that robbery, store break-ins and house break-ins cases were decreasing in Maun, in contrary murder cases, road accidents and stock theft cases were alarmingly on the increase.

The Deputy Commissioner, who was speaking at the official launch of the District No.5 campaign on Crime and Road Traffic Accidents, noted that Maun was significantly contributing to the economy of Botswana through tourism.

He therefore said there was need for partnership in crime prevention and reduction of road accidents as well as behavioural change.

Deputy Police Commissioner Gabolekwe said rape cases, human trafficking, motor vehicle theft and cybercrime were also increasing nationwide.

Road accidents, he said were worrisome not only in Maun but the country at large as they accounted for high number of deaths. He said 377 people perished in road accidents in 2014 while 411 perished in 2015.

Deputy Police Commissioner Gabolekwe said over speedy was the cause of many road accidents; he said 78 percent of drivers who were charged for road traffic accidents in 2016 were established for over speeding.

In her remarks, the Divisional Commander, North, Ms Dinah Marathe noted that the campaign was meant to sensitise the community and to create dialogue to attain reduction of crime and road accidents.

She said she hoped that the campaign will have positive rewards. “A similar campaign was held in Maun in the past against road accidents which bore positive results, I hope this current campaign will do the same.”

Ms Marathe said from January to November this year a total of 29 people have succumbed due to road accidents in the North West region. ENDS