06 Nov 2021

Some traditional leaders have vowed to join forces with Matamo Men Society Group to fight social ills in Maun

Matamo Men Society Group is a newly registered men group whose aim is to come up with ways to fight social ills such as gender based violence, alcohol abuse, violation of children’s rights and criminal activities, among other things.

Speaking during a stakeholder consultative meeting at Goo Seetso ward, some dikgosi expressed concern on the rise of criminal activities ranging from rape, murder to common assault.

They commended the group for leading the journey to a safer society and pledged their support.

“We must all own zero tolerance approach to crime and we are in this together as it is our duty as leaders and community to fight crime,” said Mr Gadibintshe Saudu of Tsanakona ward.

He assured the group of his support in preventing any form of unacceptable behaviour amongst the community and called on members to consider establishing an office at Goo- Seetso ward.

Kgosi Morulaganyi Makwati of Borolong ward also pledged his support noting that crime was a serious concern in every ward and wished all wards come on board in order to win the fight against crime.

The police alone, he said, could not manage, hence the need for all to take responsibility for their own security and property.

Kgosi Oateng Setlhodi of Chanoga appreciated efforts by the group in promoting a strong and effective partnership platform for a safe and secure society.

Earlier on, the founder and coordinator of the group, Mr Otukile Nyepetsi explained that robbery, murder, threat to kill, rape, defilement, assaults and other violent crimes taking place at Sanyedi ward had driven him to form the group.

The situation, he said, was exacerbated by the virtue of the ward being adjacent to the shopping complex and that most of its inhabitants made a living through house rentals and selling of alcohol.

He appealed to traditional leaders to exercise their rights and encourage the community to work together with the group and stop harbouring criminals for the sake of rental payment.

Mr Nyepetsi also lamented incidents of gender based violence in the area, adding that such could be addressed through a multi-sectoral approach.

The vice chairman of the group, Mr Lucas Gabalape concurred that alcohol consumption in the area was the main cause of social ills, adding that it was a pity as some villagers were defaulting from their HIV treatment due to alcohol consumption.

But, he appreciated that the group made efforts to trace and encourage them to adhere to treatment. Ends