Minister of Defence, Justice and Security Kagiso Mmusi has expressed concern over the rise in criminal activities in the country.
Mmusi was speaking during the official hand over of a refurbished old Central Police Station in Palapye by Morupule Coal Mine (MCM) on Friday last week. He pleaded with members of the public and the private sector to help government in the fight against rising crime.
The Minister’s concerns come on the backdrop of a surge in robberies that are currently haunting the country. Two weeks ago, ten alleged robbers were shot dead by the police. A woman suspect has since been arraigned before court. The minister has gone on record encouraging the police to use maximum force to eliminate criminals.
“I wish to highlight crimes which standout as crimes of national concerns for which we should jointly address as the police, the public and private entities. These crimes include robberies including cash in transit heists, gender based violence, rape, defilement, murder, assault, drug and human trafficking,” he said.
MCM refurbished Palapye Old Central Police Station as part of its Corporate Social Investment (CSI) initiatives. The minister commended MCM for its charity gesture and added that as the government, they are always excited to see the business community coming on board and bracing the partnership benefit in the development of the country and its people. He emphasized that the gesture is a strong case for the advancement of the Public Private Partnership (PPP) which is currently pursued by government. He also added that the partnership is even more important and conspicuous in the face of dwindling resources.
“The successful refurbishment of this police facility amid Covid -19 challenges is a clear demonstration of the important role and significant impact that the private sector could have on national development,” Minister Mmusi said.
He also commended Botswana Police Services in Palapye for not abandoning the old Central Police Station after construction of the new Palapye Police Station in 2014. He also said it is important to note that administratively Palapye Central Policing area covers a huge area, specifically wards that are situated on the Southern part of Morupule Railway line which include Boikago, Madiba Thomadithotse, Botswana International University of Science and Technology (BIUST) extending to villages such as Malaka and Lecheng.
“It is my sincere belief and hope that the full opening of this police station will go a long way in bringing policing services closer to communities in this catchment areas,” he said.
