The Commissioner of Police, Mr Thebeyame Tsimako has appealed for councillors’ increased support in the fight against crime.
Addressing a Northwest Full Council Meeting recently, Mr Tsimako said that although the mandates of Botswana Police and Local Councils differ, there are areas where there are function overlaps.
Some of the areas that the Commissioner appealed for councillors’ support include; taking strong action against liquor outlets that are trading without licences, reviewing the Noise and Nuisance regulations for bar operators and collection of Matimela without delay.
He further stated that crime has experienced reduction with the exceptions being murder, defilement and stock theft. Police statistics indicate that murders in Maun and surrounding areas rose from 18 in the year 2009 to 49 last year. This he attributed to alcohol and drug abuse as most incidents happened at drinking places.
Mr Tsimako appealed to councillors to address communities on matters of crime and safety in their areas during Kgotla meetings. He said where possible the Northwest District Council should provide streetlights as well as clear out some bushy areas which criminals use as hideouts.
The North West Council meeting is one of the similar addresses that the Commissioner of Police has held in Francistown, Selibe Phikwe and Molepolole.