24 Jan 2017

Assistant Minister for Presidential Affairs, Governance and Public Administration, Mr Thato Kwerepe has urged public servants to uphold the principle of professionalism in the workplace

Kwerepe was addressing a sub-district development committee meeting recently.

The meeting followed allegations that some public servants were involved in illegal activities at Lake Ngami, despite the closure of fishing season.

It was also reported that the police destroyed a dagga plantation in the restricted area at an island in the lake.

The assistant minister noted that incidents reported at the lake tarnished the good name of government given that Botswana was well known as a peace loving country with law abiding citizens.

Deputy district commissioner, Ms Angelinah Leano also encouraged public servants to lead by example and desist from illegal activities.

Ms Leano said two officers were accused of such allegations.

“If you have hired someone to practice any illegal activities at the lake, I urge you to stop the practice because as a public servant you would be found guilty twice, at the work place and by the law enforcement,” she added.

Meanwhile, Senior Superintendent Peter Gochela confirmed in an interview that the police destroyed about 15 plants suspected to be dagga at the lake noting that no suspects arrested.

He said the plants were found by police officers during their operation patrols.

However, Lake Ngami Conversation Trust chairman, Mr Frisco Gabokakangwe admitted that illegal fishing was on going at the lake and had received several reports that some public servants were involved.

Mr Gabokakangwe said it had come to their attention that some public servants hired some residents and hide in islands.

He added that during their recent patrols, they repossessed one boat belonging to a certain officer.

Thus, he appealed to some residents who owned cattle posts around the lake to stop hiding illegal fishers in their homes but rather report them to relevant authorities.

In preparations for the opening of fishing season in March this year, Mr Gabokakangwe said they would meet with the technical advisory committee next week to map the way forward since the

Environment Management Plan was complete.

He said their intention was to start the construction of the five campsites which he said would be done in phases.

He further said they would concentrate on campsites which were situated in the middle of the lake where water had been increased by recent showers.

He explained that when fishing season opened, only fishermen who were fishing before the closing season would continue. BOPA