The Acting Minister of Defence, Justice and Security Mr Edwin Batshu has called on Batswana to support government’s efforts in ensuring the security and safety of its citizens.

Speaking at Kgotla meetings in Bokspits and Middlepits yesterday  Mr Batshu said the fact that no Motswana is living as a refugee in any country in the world is a clear indication that Botswana is a peaceful nation and added that this is so because of the government’s commitment to its citizens’ safety and security.

He urged Batswana to complement government’s efforts in fighting crime by supporting security organisations such as the Botswana Police, the Directorate of Intelligence Service (DIS), the Directorate on Corruption and Economic Crime and others. He said law enforcement agencies are there to detect and fight any elements of threat to the country’s security and not to invade on people’s privacy as some claim.  

He assured those in attendance that any illegal violation of people’s privacy by security organisations will be dealt with accordingly.

In their remarks the residents of the two villages complained of among other things increasing cross-border crime and theft of livestock in their area. They asked for increased police and soldiers visibility in the area to deter criminals.

The Member of Parliament for Kgalagadi South Mr John Toto thanked Mr Batshu for the visit to the villages saying such a move had enabled the Minister to get firsthand views of the resident’s complaints. The Member of Parliament also urged parents to take responsibility of their children and discourage them from engaging in criminal behaviour.