05 May 2019

Inspector Daniel Mosuthelo of Serowe police says the stop and search operation will help nab criminals who carry knives and other weapons.

He was responding to residents’ complaints during Serowe West MP, Mr Tshekedi Khama’s  kgotla meeting in Mannathoko ward.

Insp Mosuthelo conceded that crime in the area had increased, adding that in many instances, such criminal acts were committed using knives.

He said knives were used in several robbery and rape incidents.

Insp Mosuthelo said said the police would stop individuals, search them and confiscate the weapons.

He admitted that the bush within the locality made it difficult for them to police the area. 

Criminals, he said, also sought seek refuge in the bush.

On other issues, Insp Mosuthelo said over speeding was a concern in some parts of Serowe.

He said, in some instances, motorists informed one another of the presence of the police along the roads, but as soon as they left a policed area, motorists would ignore the speed limits.

Consequently, he called for compliance even in the absence of police saying, “as the police we can’t afford to be ever-present.”

Some Mannathoko residents had complained about misconduct of some young people who terrorised them at night.

They alleged that there was a section of notorious young men who called themselves Boko Haram.

After a drinking spree, the residents said the notorious gang would verbally and physically attack resident as well as steal from them.

The residents also decried that the gang went about their ruthless conduct of robbing senior citizens off their pension. 

For fear of losing their lives, the pensioners would surrender their dues to the criminals when besieged.

Criminals reportedly hide in the bushes and pounce on their unsuspecting targets at night.

Through their area councilor, Mr Setlalekgosi Molefhi, Mannathoko residents sought a satellite police office which would aid speedy reports and response to crime.

Mr Molefhi said many of the criminals did not originate from his Serokolwane area, but tapped on the vulnerability of his area to commit crime and return to their places.ENDS