01 Nov 2017

Molepolole police have seized a substance suspected to be dagga and R120 000 from unknown assailants near the Gamodubu road block on Monday.

Kweneng District No 11 Superintendent Modise Gabatshwane said in an interview that the seized substance was estimated at the value of over P500 000.

The five suspects were allegedly spotted diverting to a gravel route to avoid the road block, something that resulted in the police being suspicious.

The five men ended up fleeing the scene leaving behind their valuables including two cellphones.

Supt Gabatshwane indicated that the substance would be taken to the police forensic laboratory to establish its identity and its estimated value to help guide police with their investigations.

He further said they have intensified their search for the arrest of the suspected individuals.

In a separate incident, Supt Gabatshwane said they have impounded 13 trucks for illegal mining of sand along the Metsimotlhabe River between Dikhutsaneng and Kamenakwe around Thamaga area.

Illegal sand mining, he said, has been a regular occurrence along the river despite efforts to curb the problem.

He said despite warnings by relevant authorities, construction businesses were involved in the illegal mining of sand at night causing destruction to the river.

He raised concern about some trucks used for mining sand, saying they were not road worthy as some had worn-out tyres while others were unlicensed. He said about 50 people have been arrested and fined a minimum of P2 000.

Meanwhile, Senior Supt Gabatshwanane said a woman in her mid 30’s died instantly on October 30 along the Molepolole/Gaborone road when the vehicle she was driving plugged onto a truck.

One of the male passengers in the vehicle was said to have sustained severe injuries and was receiving medical attention at Bokamoso Private Hospital while three others including the truck driver were hospitalised at Scottish Livingstone Hospital in Molepolole.

Investigations are ongoing. ENDS