26 Sep 2019

Mahalapye police recently handed over a two-bedroomed house worth P250 000 to the Gaotlhobogwe family from Madiba ward.

 Speaking during the official handing over of the house Commissioner of Police, Mr Keabetswe Makgophe said the mandate of the police was not only to fight crime but also to ensure the safety of the people of Botswana.

He said it was the desire of Botswana police service to see Batswana living dignified lives in safe and secure homes.

The police commissioner applauded Mahalapye police for going the extra mile by contributing cash to complete the project, as they were inspired by traditional norms/practices like molaletsa, letsema and mahisa all aimed at aiding and supporting others to achieve independence and lead sustainable lives.

Mr Makgophe urged Batswana not to depart from such olden practices, but rather always join hands to assist the less fortunate members of the community to restore their dignity.

Meanwhile, the police commissioner decried the high crime rate in Mahalapye, especially cable theft and appealed to community members to assist the police by reporting such offenders.

Mr Makgophe appealed to parents to take an active role in raising and disciplining their children.

“The use of drugs, especially marijuana, is alarming in Mahalapye, especially among school going children,” he noted.

Concerning violence against women and children, Mr Makgophe said women alone cannot end violence, hence the need for a collective efforts. 

Divisional commander north central, Senior assistant commissioner, Christopher Mbulawa said the project kickstarted in 2015. 

Mahalapye assistant district commissioner Mr Bakani Mathumo expressed appreciation to the Mahalapye police for providing housing to the less fortunate members of the society, adding that their efforts could go unnoticed since accommodation is one of the basic human needs. 

Mr Mathumo also extended his gratitude to those who joined hands with the police in contributing to the success of the project.

Giving word of appreciation, a family member Ms Gaopalelwe Onkwetse said she was grateful that her elder sister’s children now had shelter. 

She thanked all those who contributed to the success of the project. Ends