21 Aug 2024

The Tsootsha based farmers’ committee, Matlhoaronarotlhe, has applauded government’s decision to construct a fully-fledged police station at Chobokwane.

In an interview with BOPA, the deputy chairperson of Matlhoaronarotlhe Farmers Society, Mr Malebogo Heels said their committee will work jointly with the law enforcement officers and other farmers’ committees concerning stock-theft rife in both the Charleshill and Ghanzi districts.

He said some farmers were disadvantaged to report their stock-theft cases on time due to the long distance they have to travel to reach Kalkfontein, which led to culprits escaping easily and having more time to destroy evidence before the arrival of the police.

Mr Heels said this new police station would answer their endless cries and would also give farmers the justice they deserved.

He decried that an increase in stock-theft would lead to failure in the implementation of government programmes intended to help eradicate poverty in rural communities.

In addition, he said it would lead to an increase in number of destitute in the districts, and in the long run deplete government coffers.

He mentioned that they have recorded 38 threats cases from alleged stock-theft perpetrators and registered about 200 cases of stock- theft in their localities.

Another resident, Mr Phaketsane Mokgabe also applauded government efforts in boosting public safety and closing service delivery gaps in some communities.

He said the village is covered with a dark cloud of social ills due to lack of visibility of police officers who are also under resourced.

Mr Mokgabe noted that the police station would service Chobokwane residents and  the Trans Kalahari Corridor (TKC) users as well as be a beacon of hope for residents as they would be able to secure job opportunities during the implementation of the project.

He also called for cooperation between communities and law enforcement officers to curb crime that is wreaking havoc in their community.

Meanwhile, in Hukuntsi, the Councilor for Hukuntsi West, Ms Kebaneilwe Mmesetse thanked President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi for the noble gesture of their village being one of the recipients of the 28 new police stations being built countrywide.

She said the move is part of government’s commitment and testament to strengthening the police service and continued efforts to address their challenges.

Ms Mmesetse underscored the need for safety to prevail in the nation, adding that this efficient, safe and favourable environment is essential as it can attract investors into the country.

“We are hopeful that the availability of these resources will in turn improve the police personnel working conditions, especially those working in remote areas and further lure investors, not just to our country, but also for them to consider investing in remote areas,” she said.

She said as the package includes residential houses and transport, they remain optimistic that now the personnel, which has been reluctant to work in rural areas will no longer hesitate.

Ms Mmesetse shared that the construction of the police station would also realise and create job opportunities, more especially for the youth.  “Gender based violence still remains part of our challenges as a district, and this therefore is part of our milestone towards combating such crimes and at the same time ensuring that our citizens are provided the best service in a dignified manner,” she said.

For his part, Hukuntsi District Council Chairperson, Mr Moratwa Lekolori said that when complete, the police station will assist in ensuring police visibility in the district and implored the community to safeguard the site and also report all the suspected wrong doings at the site. ENDS