27 Jun 2019

Botswana Police Service’ Assistant Commissioner Dipheko Motube has commended the public for joining forces with the police to curb stock theft, which is rampant in the country.

He revealed in an interview that the public had been supportive to the success of KgomoKhumo campaign, which aimed to identify hot spots, market as well as identify criminal syndicates and bring offenders book.

This followed the arrest of two men at Tsutsubega settlement some kilometres in the outskirts of Maun, who were found in possession of a carcass suspected to be of a stolen cow.

Mr Motube said they managed to arrest the duo after a tip-off by some members of the community, noting that the suspects were a 52- year-old man of Tsustubega and a 78-year-old man of Botshabelo ward in Maun. The duo were arrested on June 26 and are in police custody while investigations continue.

Mr Motube said they had already questioned seven suspects in the district and one had already been convicted.

He appreciated a good working relationship with the public, noting that the campaign continued to produce positive results as the public continued to play an active role in assisting police with information as compared to the past where people did not want to be seen as whistle blowers.

He encouraged all to continue with the support, noting that stock theft was a national concern, hence the need for concerted efforts to root out the challenge for good.

He called on Ngamiland farmers to form anti-stock theft committees and revive ‘Ntebele ke go lebele’ committees in their respective areas, noting that the police would provide all information on livestock theft trends.

Crime prevention partners such as veterinary officers, he said, should engage such committees to share information on livestock marking and identification procedure, indicating that ‘Ntebele ke go lebele,’ could also work at the cattle posts and farms.

He said it was wise for farmers to develop and maintain good relations with neighbours as they would know when one is away and be watchful for strangers entering their property.

Farmers were also advised to ensure that their animals had been marked appropriately, to keep and maintain accurate records including livestock numbers, registration details and livestock movement data.

Assistant Commissioner Motube said it would be good to deliver services to people who are already organised. KgomoKhumo operation team will be in Ngamiland for the next three weeks.  ENDS