03 Sep 2026

The decision by government to allow liquor outlets to trade from 6am to 6am should be viewed in good faith, as it forms part of plans to move towards a 24-hour economy.

This was said by Francistown South MP, Mr Wynter Mmolotsi, during a kgotla meeting in his constituency on Tuesday.

Mr Mmolotsi said the decision was taken in good faith and not with bad intentions.  

“The introduction of a 24-hour economy will drive job creation as employees will be working in shifts,” he said.

He added that research has shown that in countries that have adopted a 24-hour economy, crime levels tend to be lower.  

He assured residents that Botswana would ultimately adopt the initiative, noting that the Ministry of Trade and Entrepreneurship was already working towards implementing a 24-hour economy.

Addressing the same kgotla meeting, Assistant Superintendent Letsile Gabotholwe of Kutlwano Police Station warned residents of a new trend of motor vehicle theft in Francistown, particularly targeting Honda Fit and Mazda Demio vehicles.

He said it appeared that a market existed for the two models somewhere, adding that they were easy targets even when locked.  

He thus implored residents to immediately report any suspicious movements in their localities to the police.

Assistant Superintendent Gabotholwe further warned residents against harbouring illegal immigrants in their homes, saying some ended up committing crimes.  

“Those who will be caught harbouring illegal immigrants will be charged,” he cautioned.

Residents were also briefed on the increasing veld fires in and around Francistown and how to protect themselves in the event of an outbreak.

Divisional Fire Officer, Ms Simikiwe Khavara of the Francistown City Council said the fires posed danger to people’s lives, livestock and to other living organisms such as snakes.  

She appealed to residents to practice safe habits to avoid causing bush fires, imploring them to make fire breaks around their homes to prevent fire from reaching them. 

Ms Khavara further informed the residents that causing bush fires was an offence punishable by law.  ENDS