07 Nov 2021

Maun is experiencing a  rise in number of criminal cases such as murder, rape and common assult.                                                                                                                

These criminal activities and an increase in gender based violence as well as violation of children’s rights have compelled pressure groups such Matamo Men Society Group to intervene.

Matamo Men Society Group, a newly registered men sector group, aim is to sensitize the community and come up with ways to fight social ills such as  criminal activities among others.

Speaking at a stakeholder consultative meeting organised by the men sector group at Goo-Seetso ward to discuss ways to arrest social ills crippling Maun particularly Sanyedi ward,  traditional leaders have vowed to join forces  to fight social ills that had bedevilled Maun.

The traditional leaders have  commended the men sector group for leading the journey to a safer society and pledged their support and to work with the group to ensure all criminal elements were eradicated from the society.

“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 Gadibintshe Saudu of Tsanakona ward.

He promised to support the group in preventing any form of unacceptable behaviour amongst the community, and called on the group to consider establishing an office at Goo- Seetso ward where the movement was launched so that people could easily report and access other services.

Kgosi Morulaganyi Makwati of Borolong ward said crime was  a concern in every ward and called on all wards to come on board and participate in community policing to fight against crime.

The police alone, he said could not manage, hence the need for all to take play their part.

Kgosi Oateng Setlhodi of Chanoga village welcomed the group’s efforts in promoting a strong and effective partnership platform for a safe and secure society.

Their effort, he said was in line with the pillars of Vision 2036 which calls for governance, peace and security amongst the nation, and encouraged members to continue with the good work,

The founder and coordinator of the group, Mr Otukile Nyepetsi explained that serious crimes such as robbery, murder, threat to kill, rape, defilement, assaults and other violent crimes taking place at Sanyedi ward forced some men in the area to had driven him to  form the group.

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

He appealed to Dikgosi to use their influence to encourage the community to work with the group and stop harbouring criminals for the sake of rental payments.

Mr Nyepetsi expressed concern over heightened gender based violence incidents in the area and said such issues could be addressed through a multi-sectoral approach.

Therefore, he urged stakeholders to reinforce their approach by strenthening  their services for the benefit of the community.

Vice chairperson of Matamo Men Society Group, Mr Lucas Gabalape said alcohol consumption was the main cause of social ills, adding that it was pity as some villagers were defaulting from their HIV treatment due to alcohol abuse.

He said the group made efforts to trace and encourage them to adhere to treatment.

An official from Security Systems Company, Mr Gagoope Mpatlisang noted that Sanyedi used to be a peaceful place, “but nowadays the area had turned into a criminal hub.”

He said they regularly attend to incidents in the area adding that at times they were attacked by a mob.

He urged the community to utilise their services. ENDS