10 Sep 2017

Botswana Police Service South Central Division headquarters has donated a house worth P110 000 to Ms Messiah Ontlametse of Leshibitse in Mochudi West constituency.

Speaking during the official handover of the house at Leshibitse on Friday, Commissioner of Police, Mr Keabetswe Makgophe said the police recognised the good intentions of government to restore dignity to the lives of those in need and eradicate poverty.

The donation, he said, was in response to President Lt Gen. Dr Seretse Khama Ian Khama’s call on individuals and companies to provide shelter to the needy.

Mr Makgophe said the police saw a need in Ms Ontlametse and her family and decided to build them a house.

He commended the police for helping the family and said it was not because they were resourced, but because they were dedicated to assist.

He said the police had done a good job and implored them to continue the good gesture.

Mr Makgophe also said they were committed to working with communities to end crime, and reiterated the importance of community partnerships with the police.

He said it was important for stakeholders to come together and fight crime so that communities could live safe and free lives.

The commissioner urged parents to nurture and groom their children to become better citizens, as the nation was grappling with youth wayward behaviour which sometimes led to criminal activities.

He said fighting crime was a collective responsibility and urged parents to make sure their children were not involved in any form of crime.

Giving the project overview, Divisional Commander South Central, Senior Assistant Commissioner Matthews Letsholo said the house construction commenced in May and took three months to complete.

He said the police in collaboration with other stakeholders worked tirelessly to complete the house.

Mr Letsholo said construction of the house was done by the police. He said they also built a toilet and constructed a 225m tunnel to connect water to the home.

He thanked companies that assisted with the project among them Consolidated Contractors Company, Fair Price, Builders World, Dulux and Bed Factory.

Ms Ontlametse could not hold back tears of joy as she thanked the police for putting a roof over her head and family.

The 42 year-old mother of nine said her suffering had come to an end as she believed that one day God would answer her call for help.

Kgosi Tosh Kgotlele of Leshibitse said the philanthropic gesture by the police should be applauded and urged others to emulate them and assist other needy members of the community.

Kgosi Kgotlele took the opportunity to ask the Commissioner of Police that they report their cases to Dibete Police Station as they were challenged by transport to report to Mochudi.

Mr Makgophe gave them the go ahead, but said their cases should be recorded with Mochudi police until January 2018 when they would be part of Dibete policing area.

Kgatleng District commissioner, Mr Mompoloki Mochanang thanked the police for responding to the call to shelter the needy saying the house was the 48^th to be built by Botswana Police Srervice across the country. ENDS