21 Dec 2020

Francistown Police Station commander, Superintendent Lebalang Maniki says police have observed a worrisome number of unlawful gatherings in their area of jurisdiction during the 60 Days of Action on Crime and Road Safety campaign which began on November 1.

Speaking in an interview with BOPA recently, he said the police had observed that as the holidays approached more people gathered  at drinking spots although it was unlawful and it exposed them to COVID-19.

He cautioned the public from unlawful gatherings, noting that any person who shall be found in an unlawful gathering shall be liable to a fine not less than P1 000. 

Superintendent Maniki expressed concern about people who drank alcohol in public places and littered, adding that any person be found drinking alcohol in a public place shall also be fined not less than P1 000.

He added that as the police enforced COVID-19 protocols, there shall be zero tolerance to disobeying COVID-19 protocols and that those found without facial masks in public places especially in malls and bus stations, shall be fined money not more than P5 000.

He further said that they had observed that traffic signs and signals were being disobeyed and that during traffic jams, pedestrians and drivers failed to cooperate.

He said pedestrians especially in roads with both traffic signals and pedestrian crossing line did not obey the traffic sign, something which he said  disrupted traffic movement and put their lives at risk.

Superintendent Maniki said it was not only a driver’s role to comply with the Road Traffic Act but also pedestrians were obliged to comply with the traffic signs at all times.

He said that the festive season was usually a time when many people travelled leaving their houses unattended for a while.

He  therefore, urged the public to form neighborhood watch groups for the security of their houses and belongings. ends