31 Oct 2022

The recently opened P1.2 million Makopong Police Post is in line with government’s commitment towards  ensuring public safety.

 Officially opening the post  on behalf of Minister of Defence and Security, Mr Kagiso Mmusi recently, acting police commissioner Mr Phemelo Ramakorwane said the post was expected to solve security challenges in the area.

 Makopong community previously received police services from as far as Werda which necessitated construction of a police post, he said.

Mr Ramakorwane said the post had two police officers while  recruitment for sub-inspector level officer and other personnel was underway. 

It was also equipped with a new Toyota Land Cruiser vehicle, he said.

He expressed concern about increasing incidents of violent robberies in Botswana including cash-in-transit heists and bombing of Automatic Teller Machines. 

Mr Ramakorwane called  on Batswana to be vigilant at all times and to blow the whistle on people suspected to be involved in unlawful practices.

 Parents and guardians must ensure that they report any ‘fly-by-night’ accomplishments by their charges, he said.

The acting police chief emphasised the need for concerted efforts in fighting crime through whistle blowing, reset and transformation of  community policing efforts in order to close any crime loopholes.

Assistant police commissioner Ms Oabajang Basitang, said 30 police posts, including Makopong, were planned for construction during the 2020/21 financial year but were reduced to 12 due to financial challenges.

“Out of the 12, only five were completed including Makopong and the others were not completed due to under performance by contractors,” she said.

Ms Basitang stated that in future a staff housing component would be added. 

Undertaken by Toaster Construction Company, the project started two years ago but was delayed by the outbreak of COVID-19.

It was however completed within budget, revealed Ms Basitang. 

The facility comprises a community service center, consultation room, records management office, custody suite, offices, kitchen and ablutions. All offices are air conditioned complete with communication devices.

MP for Kgalagadi South Mr Samuel Brooks said the facility was a welcome development for Makopong which was located along the border and therefore susceptible to cross border crime.

He expressed appreciation for Botswana Police Service security infrastructure development efforts  in Kgalagadi South noting that 14 police staff houses were recently delivered in Tsabong while  a Special Support Group unit had been brought into Maralaleng to fight rampant small stock theft.

MP Brooks called for more SSG units to patrol the border as well as construction of police stations at Kokotsha, Struizendam and rennovations at Werda and Bokspits.

He commended the constructor for completing the project amid the challenges of COVID-19.

Kgosi Matshidiso Babeile of Kisa said the Makopong post would help fight the increasing cases of assault, street fights and rustling in the area.

He promised to encourage the community to collaborate with the police to fight crime. ends