28 Sep 2020

The MP for Tati East, Dr Douglas Letsholathebe on Thursday apologised to Matsiloje police officers for working in a dilapidated facility. 

“Let me apologise on behalf of government for working under such harsh conditions,” said Dr Letsholathebe after touring the police station.He was accompanied by area councillor, Ms Florah Mpetsane and Kgosi Eric Moipolai of Matsiloje. 

He said government was doing something to alleviate the situation across the country, adding that the construction of a new police station in Matsiloje has been on the pipeline for a long time.

Dr Letsholathebe, who is also Minister of Tertiary Education, Research, Science and Technology, toured the community service centre, the station commander’s office, the prosecution division, which also doubles as the deputy station commander’s office. 

The Station Commander, Superintendent Charles Mbengwa told the minister that police officers worked in congested offices.

He revealed that his deputy shared an office with junior officers which was not conducive.

Superintendent Mbengwa further told the minister that the holding cell had a capacity of only five detainees, adding that it was challenging as males could not share the cell with females. 

He explained that female detainees were often transferred to Francistown for custody, hence the need for a bigger facility.

He also informed the minister that the police station had secured a standby generator to address the frequent power cuts experienced in the village.  

Councillor Mpetsane, who is also the North East District Council chairperson, concurred that building a new police station in Matsiloje was long overdue. ends