10 Dec 2019

Sejelo Police Station commander, Senior Superintendent, Banneetse Keakile has cautioned Batswana to be vigilant during festive season to save lives.

Senior Spt Keakile sounded the alarm at the official launch of the 60 days of action against acts of crime and child abuse, which was held at Kanye-Moshupa Circle, near Polokwe.

He advised people to avoid actions that may result in them being victims of crime.

He shared that, the launch heighten police efforts in combating crime against women and children who were the most vulnerable population bracket.

Senior Spt Keakile said children were susceptible to acts of crime more especially the girlchild, adding that it was a wake-up call for law enforcement officers to double their efforts in sensitizing communities. He added churches needed to come on board to help in the fight against gender based violence.

The event was held under the theme: My health, My Responsibility.

Senior Spt Keakile therefore urged parents to take responsibility for their children at home. He advised that in cases where they are away from home, children should be left with a responsible and trusted caretaker.

With regard to women, he said, the station received two to three cases of rape a day. Senior Spt Keakile noted that sometimes women were raped by their former partners or someone they knew.

However on other issues, he noted that they also had cases of pupils who went missing only to be found their boyfriends’ houses.

Regarding theft and road accidents, he advised road users to refrain from over speeding, and over indulgence in alcohol.

He said road safety could be achieved through being alert on the road, at all times paying attention to road signs and also drinking responsibly.

“Our station is concerned about the rising number of accidents. We have also recorded a high number of cases varying from theft burglary and passion killing,” he said.

He therefore shared that as a result of such challenges, they saw it fit to organise the event with the main objective of sensitising the community on crime and traffic violation issues.

He further noted that the event was also aimed towards changing the mind-set and also encouraging village leadership to take part in combating such acts.

For her part,  Methodist Church of Southern Africa, Kanye Branch, Pastor Lilly Keogotsitse advised men to be the shield of the nation and to protect women and girls from rape and abuse.

She further advised road users to always pray before starting off to their desired destinations for God’s protection and intervention.

She also facilitated the candle light session in remembrance of those who lost their lives through road accidents and passion killings.

The launch was also graced by members of the community, Pastors from different churches and denomination and members of the Police service. ENDS