23 May 2019

Chief immigration officer in Francistown, Ms Tidimalo Kwati, says the influx of illegal immigrants in the city is a cause for concern.

She expressed the concern during a kgotla meeting addressed by Francistown South MP, Mr Winter Mmolotsi at Ikageleng ward on May 21.

She warned that social amenities such as water, electricity and many others were more likely to be overstretched should the situation continue unchanged.

“I am appealing to you residents of Francistown to desist from harbouring illegal immigrants in your homes as doing so is against the law,” she pleaded.

Ms Kwati also urged residents who had applied for passports in December 2018 to come forth to collect them at the Francistown immigration office.

She said a total of 149 passports were awaiting collection.

For his part, Assistant Superintendent Lynn Agang of Kutlwano police said her office was inundated with cases of non-citizens who did not have necessary documents that could grant them lawful stay.

She complained that some residents of Francistown were not keen to report incidents of crime; something she said had contributed to soaring crime rate in the city.

Meanwhile, Phase 4 customary court president, Mr Segale Letshele appealed to Batswana in general not to allow the election fever and their political differences divide them.

“Let us continue set a high value on the principle of botho that we are well-known for as a people and guard against anything that may taint our good image,” he said. ENDS