The Botswana Police Public Relations Officer, Assistant Commissioner Christopher Mbulawa has expressed concern at the involvement of young people in criminal activities.

Mr Mbulawa expressed the concern when addressing some Mogoditshane Senior Secondary students over the weekend at a meeting organized by Youth Alive, a Christian youth NGO.

He said that some of the offences that they are observing increasing youth involvement include rape and defilement. He urged young people to avoid becoming perpetrators in these crimes as they attract heavy prison sentences which may negatively impact on their future. He sternly discouraged them from having sexual relationships with adults saying doing so is not only bad for their education but may also lead to them becoming victims of sexual offences.

In his remarks a representative of the Botswana Police Narcotics, Fauna and Flora Investigations, Inspector Petrus Nkgetse also expressed worry at young people’s use of illegal drugs. Inspector Nkgetse revealed that since the beginning of the year they have arrested 50 students in possession of marijuana.

He said that marijuana is the most commonly used drug by youths and called on parents to be on the look-out for signs of its use by their children. He said that signs of marijuana use include increased appetite, isolation and aggressiveness by the user.

According to Youth Alive Programme Director, Pastor Lesotho Gabriel Mosarwe the purpose of the meeting was to encourage the students to live positive and responsible lives. Pastor Mosarwe said that Youth Alive also aims to empower youths with skills that will enable them to motivate their peers to make positive choices in life.