25 Aug 2019

The recently reviewed Stock Theft Act would protect Batswana’s livelihoods and beef industry.

Officially opening Mmathubudukwane police station and housing project on August 23, President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi said the act was amended to make it more relevant and effective in view of the value of livestock to the country’s economic growth. Amendments included up to 25 years imprisonment, confiscation of equipment and instruments used in the commission of stock theft as well as cancellation of licenses for butcheries upon conviction, said President Masisi.

He commended Botswana Police Service (BPS) for undertaking a national anti-stock theft operation dubbed Kgomokhumo.

The operation, he said, had resulted in the detection of more stock theft cases, dismantling of criminal syndicates and the arrest, conviction and imprisonment of perpetrators.

President Masisi said the success was attributable to the cooperation of Batswana who reported wrongdoers.

Concerted efforts, Dr Masisi said, were the rationale behind community policing, which Batswana had been practising over decades with positive results.

He said to ensure the initiative continued to make a positive impact, it had to be continuously reviewed and modernised in line with national security aspirations.

For his part, Police Commissioner, Mr Keabetswe Makgophe, said the station would soon enjoy the services of Criminal Investigation Department and traffic branch.

“Also, we have consulting rooms, which basically translates into privacy for our customers in sensitive matters,” he said, adding that most Batswana had complained about lack of privacy in police stations. ENDS