11 Jan 2022

The incomplete agriculture service centre, which has been abandoned for years, has turned into a hiding spot for criminals, Mmathethe residents have said.

Speaking at a kgotla meeting addressed by the Member of Parliament for Mmathethe/Molapowabojang, Dr Edwin Dikoloti on Monday, the village development committee vice chairperson, Ms Winnie Motlhala thieves, especially animal rustlers used the abandoned building to hide stolen stock.

“We are concerned…because now thieves use it. They steal people’s livestock and use it as a hide-out. They also bury the livestock skins in that area to conceal the evidence,” she said.

She appealed to the MP to engage the relevant authorities to ensure that the building was complete and used for its intended purpose. She further called on government to review the constitution to fully empower customary courts so they may effectively deal with stock theft cases.

“Stock theft cases continue to increase in the village because these criminals engage lawyers and this is not fair to small farmers who do not have the means to engage lawyers.

The government should consider this so that such cases are dealt with at customary courts for justice to prevail, “she noted.

Responding to the concerns, the agricultural coordinator for Southern district, Ms Monia Mfolwe said completion of the service centre was delayed after the two contractors who were engaged at different times abandoned the project.

However, she noted plans were underway to secure the building pending another tender awarding. She expressed optimism that once the tender was awarded the project would be completed within reasonable time.

For his part, Assistant Superintendent Moses Gaboswele said the police had intensified efforts to fight stock theft and all other criminal activities the area.

He urged residents to form farmers’ committees and work with the police to fight crime.

He also implored them to participate in neighbourhood watch initiatives to protect personal property.

“We always encourage people to play a role by protecting their property in order to augment police efforts to fight crime.

We have realized that most house break-ins take place during weekends when people are away and we therefore encourage you to unite and be part of the neighbourhood watch, “he said. Ends