19 Jun 2013

Justice, defence and security minister, Mr Dikgakgamatso Seretse has called on Batswana to revisit their values and revive the spirit of Botho.

Minister Seretse said if communities could change their mindset, it would help them appreciate, care for and love each other as well as come to the assistance of any person when attacked by criminals.

Addressing kgotla meetings in Tonota and Tati Siding, Mr Seretse said the public should understand that some people committed crime because they were in need of help, hence the need for communities to extend a helping hand towards those in need.

He also appealed to the residents to always work together with government to fight crime because government alone would win the war. When commenting, residents said the spirit of Botho and caring for each other had faded away as people had become individualistic and even neighbours no longer greeted each other.

One resident, Ms Hilda Mothokakobo acknowledged that she did not know her neighbour despite that they both lived in a crime infested area. She said her dogs provided protection to both of them. 

Ms Mothokakobo however said she would approach her neighbour and develop neighbourly relationship with her so that together they could help one another in time of need.

Mr Pono Ellias urged Batswana to change their behaviour and go back to their roots where they used to care and love one another, instead of hating them. He noted that people watched from a distance when a person was attacked instead of rescuing that person. Ends