13 Mar 2017

An official of the Department of Immigration and Citizenship, Ms Tshepiso Puoeng has told Tonota Sub-district Council that her department is concerned by the harbouring of illegal immigrants by some locals.

Speaking at the sub-council full meeting on Friday, Ms Puoeng pleaded with the councillors to report any non-citizens who are suspected to be living in Botswana illegally, also advising them to desist from harbouring and hiring non-citizens as they could face serious penalties.

She said the department had joined forces with other key stakeholders such as Botswana Police Service, the sub-council Bye-Law and the Department of Labour and Social Security through the anti-crime exercises to ensure security of citizens and residents and obedience of the law by the public.

Ms Puoeng further urged the public to support the initiative and attend public education meetings, which are held throughout the country to create awareness of the services offered by the department.

On other issues, she said they were worried by the non-inclusion of fathers’ names on children’s birth certificates as well as abandoned children by foreign mothers.

In response, Tonota Central councillor, Mr Gaefele Sedombo applauded the department for its efforts in providing the necessary services to the people and for taking it upon themselves to deal with the issues of illegal immigrants. ENDS