10 Apr 2022

President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi has told Serowe residents not to live in fear following the recent arson attack on the Autlwetse family which left a vehicle and house damaged.

Visiting the homestead of local government and rural development minister Mr Kgotla Autlwetse and his wife, Gabalape at Serowe’s Palamaokue Ward Friday, Dr Masisi condemned the attack calling it shameful.

Such incidents had been  unheard of in Botswana, he said.

He  assured the couple that government would do all it could to protect the nation and its leadership as dictated by the Constitution of Botswana.

The couple’s vehicle, a Hilux GD6 double cab,  was set on fire on April 1 in the process causing damage to the house.

“Residents of Serowe should not live in fear. Mr Autlwetse is a minister and will not be threatened,” President Masisi stated and assured the minister of his support.

He stressed the importance of allowing  the law take its course and reminded the Autlwetses that the principles of peace, unity and mutual respect contributed to building the Botswana of today.

On another matter, Dr Masisi said he was alive to all the negative things being said about him stating that he would not retaliate as his focus was on putting Batswana and the country first.

He said the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP)-led government would honour its promise of giving Batswana freedom of expression as well as developing them equally.

President Masisi stated that like other villages, Serowe deserved developments and would not be disadvantaged.

Minister Autlwetse said he was grateful for President Masisi’s support as demonstrated by his visit, together with First Lady Neo, to their Gaborone residence soon after the incident.

The minister said he trusted Botswana Police Service to uncover the truth.

Dr Masisi was accompanied by Minister of International Affairs and Cooperation, Mr Lemogang Kwape, Minister of Defence, Justice and Security, Mr Kagiso Mmusi and BDP’s National Strategy, Communications and International Relations Committee chairperson, Dr Alfred Tsheboeng.ENDS