28 Sep 2023

As the independence holidays approach, liquor outlet owners have been advised to respect the rights of others by avoiding excessive noise pollution.

The warning was made by Assistant Commissioner, Tapolo Mashiakgomo, during prayers against crime and gender based violence organised by police in collaboration with Maun Ministers Fraternal in Maun recently.

He expressed concern that many licensed alcohol outlets had the tendency of disturbing villagers’ peace of mind at night by playing loud music and warned them that the police had enhanced their visibility to restore peace and order.

He said it was worrisome as some bar owners operated their businesses beyond stipulated hours and added that stiff action would be taken against those who played loud music beyond restricted times.

ACP Mashiakgomo said nuisance noise could be exhausting especially if it happened through the night citing that some people were unable to relax in their own homes.

The situation, he said, was worsened by some people tuning their vehicles’ music systems up along road reserves.

He appreciated that many families had started their travel plans to varied destinations over the Independence Holidays but assured Maun community that police would intensify patrol operations to curb any crime.

He raised concern over the increasing cases of break-ins and theft of large sums of money from people’s vehicles in shopping malls.

ACP Mashiakgomo cautioned the public not to leave money and other valuables inside their vehicles especially where they would be visible to criminals.

With the rise of social media platforms, the police chief also expressed concern that they witnessed increased criminal activities online.

Some people, he said, negatively used social media to rob members of the public their hard earned cash citing that they had experienced incidents where some people advertised non-existing assets such as plots and vehicles on social media and tricked buyers to send money online and later disappear.

With regard to gender based violence (GBV), ACP Mashiakgomo said its cases were worrisome. The situation was exacerbated by people who did not report incidences and urged members of the community to stand up and speak out rather than protect perpetrators.

Maun Minsters Fraternal chairperson, Prophet Thato Elias, urged men to be change agents and stop gender based violence against women and children.

He said it was disturbing to learn that the problem was mainly perpetrated by men and noted that as heads of families, they must take action to end GBV and protect women and children.

He cited a scripture from the Bible which talked to equal standing of men and women adding that God had created women as subordinate helpers for men hence men should love and protect them.

Prophet Elias also urged women to shy away from people who caused them grief than happiness, adding that they should walk and associate with wise people who could add value to their lives. ENDS