31 May 2018

Bobonong Police Station commander says the petition that was meant to the Office of the President by one Mr David Mapetla of Gobojango against the destruction caused by elephants in the area was illegal.

In an interview, Superintendent Paul Seoko explained that the petition, which was supposed to be handed to the deputy district commissioner, did not materiliase because there was no approval from the officer commanding District No.10 in Selebi Phikwe granting demonstration on the road from Mabolwe, Semolale and Gobojango villages.

Supt. Seoko said they had to peacefully remind Mr Mapetla, who was the chairperson of a group of 12, that they had not been granted permission.

Mr Mapetla representing Mabolwe, Semolale and Gobojango (MASEGO) intended to hand a petition against damage caused by elephants in their villages.

He said for the petition to be handed, especially by a group of people, there must be an approval from officer commanding with consultation with the receiver, in this case the deputy district commissioner.

In this case, he explained, the police established that Mr Mapetla did not make any arrangement with the office to hand over the petition nor had a permit.

He explained that for a permit to be issued, many factors should be taken into consideration such as safety of demonstrators as well as that of the general public.

However, he explained that Mr Mapetla mobilised people although he was informed even through writing by the officer commanding that permission to demonstrate was denied.

Supt Seoko said the organiser further ignored calls by Semolale police that the gathering he mobilised was illegal.

He said Mr Mapetla also concealed information from his followers that he did not have a permit, only to learn when police asked them to disperse, to which they complied.

“Under Botswana laws, a procession of 12 or more people is considered unlawful assembly and require a permit. In this case, 13 people gathered,” he said.

Supt. Seoko advised the ringleader to respect the law by following the right procedure.

Moreover, he said Mr Mapetla was allowed to visit the district office since it was within his right to do so as it was a public office.

For his part, deputy district commissioner, Mr Mooketsi Lesetedi said that Mr Mapetla did not consult his office regarding the intent to hand a petition on May 25.

Mr Lesetedi said he never promised Mr Mapetla that he would receive a petition from him since he had other activities for the day, which were planned beforehand.

In an interview, Mr Mapetla, stated that he had applied and was granted a permit. He however did not produce it when asked to do so by the press.

The petition demands action to be taken against elephants which he said had impoverished people in the area by destroying crops, putting human life in danger and fueled the spread of diseases such as lumpy skin as well as Foot and Mouth Disease because they had damaged the cordon fence.

Mr Mapetla complained that crime had also escalated and livestock was being trafficked to Zimbabwe.

He also expressed concern that government compensation was too little compared to the damage the elephants cause. ENDS