27 Aug 2020

Law enforcement agencies have impounded 16 containers with 25 litres of petrol each  at Siviya village in North East District early August 24.

In an interview, Tshesebe police station commander, Superintendent Amos Kekgathetse said the two men were intercepted by law enforcement officers in the bush during a routine patrol.

Supt. Kekgathetse said the duo, however, escaped to Zimbabwe when they saw the police and Botswana Defence Force officers.

He indicated that they suspected the two men, whom they did not identify, were waiting for a vehicle from Zimbabwe to pick them after they were dropped off at the spot.

He added that the perpetrators were also in possession of a car battery which they also abandoned at the spot.

Supt. Kekgathetse however said fuel smuggling had generally declined this year compared to the past years where police made regular arrests.

He stated that it was also disturbing that some fuel stations contravened the new regulations which allowed jerry cans on Mondays and Thursdays only.

“It appears some people were in illegal dealings with some filling stations who sell them fuel at unauthorised hours of operation. It is also worrying that while the regulations clearly stipulate that only jerry cans should be used for fuel, some filling stations continue to assist people with plastic gallons,” he said.

He indicated that such culprits had designed routes in the bush which they used to smuggle fuel to Zimbabwe.

As a result, Supt. Kekgathetse encouraged the community, particularly those residing in border villages, to be on the lookout and inform law enforcement officers whenever they suspected illegal activities.

He further warned filling stations to desist from selling fuel fuel to those using containers not allowed and at unauthorised times. ends