24 Jun 2020

The Trans Kalahari Highway stretch that runs through Kanye has over the years experienced a high volume of traffic, thereby putting pedestrians at risk.

The high traffic that is especially experienced during the rush hour in the morning has compelled cluster policing volunteers to position themselves along the road to help school going children to cross the road.

One such volunteer, Mr Lovemore Dioka said the arrangement started in 2017 after they realised some motorists were not cooperating with pedestrians, especially children.

He said this resulted in pupils being late for school and also at the risk of road accidents since there were no pedestrian crossings.

The 24-year-old volunteer said their routine starts as early as 06:30 in the morning and ends at 08:00 when all pupils are supposedly at school.

“We work on rotational basis and we come early to assist the first batch of pupils who need to cross to either side, after which we disperse to continue with other duties,” he said.

He said their visibility along the road also helped since motorists, especially taxi drivers, have become more cooperative hence reducing the risk of road accidents.

Sejelo Police Station commander, Superintendent Mogomotsi Matlapeng said even though cluster policing volunteers were initially mandated to prevent crime in villages, they have since broadened their mandate to assist with other pertinent issues such as road safety.

He said the collaboration between the Botswana Police Service and the community through cluster policing had seen a reduction not only in criminal activities but also in the number of road accidents.

He applauded Kanye clusters for their sterling job in contributing to the development and safety of their community. ENDS