Botswana: Superintendent Sello Ntwaagae of Operation Kgomokhumo has encouraged the residents of Tsetsebjwe to form a farmers’ committee. The official has claimed that the committee will be crucial for surveillance, information sharing.
Further, the committee can help in swift reporting of suspicious stock theft incidents. Further the community can collaborate with the Police for enhanced security.
Superintendent Sello Ntwaagae made these remarks during a Kgotla meeting organised by operatives deployed in Bobirwa. The meeting was hosted on Friday and attended by several members of the community.
Ntwaagae claimed that farmers committees significantly enhance the capacity of farming communities. They can prevent and combat stock theft, making sure that the livestock under their care remains safe.
Superintendent Ntwaagae highlighted that it is important for the public to collaborate with the Police. He claimed that it can improve the effectiveness of anti-stock theft initiatives.
The Superintendent said the meeting was important for the people of the community. It enabled the police officers to garner insights from the residents.
Accordingly, it will lead them to intensify and implement effective stock theft preventive measures in Bobirwa. He added that visible and coordinated efforts between the Police and farmers act as a robust deterrent to potential thieves.
Ntwaagae said he was hopeful that residents will join hands and have a well-organised farmers’ committee. This will help them in fighting stock theft within their farming space.
Constable Catherine Mosholombe shared some stock theft prevention tips during the Kgotla meeting. She advised residents to brand livestock appropriately and on time. Further, they were also urged to conduct regular inspections to detect any missing livestock promptly.
She also urged them to employ guard dogs, report suspicious criminal activities and maintain updated records including photographs and detailed livestock descriptions.
Headman of Records, Kgosi Peter Phole of Tsetsebjwe delivered he welcome remarks at the event. He hailed Botswana Police Service for deploying operatives in Bobirwa.
Kgosi Phole said the deployment of operatives has made an impact in reducing stock theft in the area. He, however expressed concern over stray livestock (Matimela), urging residents to report them to relevant authorities as the situation fuel stock theft.
Further, Ketumile Modikwa assured Kgomokhumo operatives that a farmers’ committee will be formed. He further added that they have a duty as residents to protect their livestock from theft.
He said patrols, surveillance and regular meetings with the Police will be undertaken to make livestock farming in Bobirwa free from criminal acts.