Police in Maun recorded five cases of marijuana possession, while in Sehithwa an additional case was recorded as law enforcement intensifies efforts to curb drug-related crimes, This is further to the surge in traffic offences in both policing jurisdictions.
Maun police Station Commander Superintendent Dennis Zilawe has revealed that amongst the cases, a 24-year-old man from Sanyedi ward was apprehended with a substance suspected to be marijuana, found in his pockets.
In a separate incident, Superintendent Zilawe revealed that a couple from Disaneng ward—a 30-year-old man and a 31-year-old woman—were arrested after police discovered 21 sachets of a suspected plant substance, believed to be marijuana in their possession.
Superintendent Nshaki Mabophiwa of Sehitwa Police also reported a related case involving a 39-year-old woman from Botswelelo ward in Kareng Village. She had filed an assault report against her estranged 43-year-old partner. Upon investigating, police found the man in possession of 16 sachets containing a suspicious substance. However, the man claimed the sachets were given to him by the accuser, denying ownership of the contents.
Both Station commanders revealed that the suspected substances were sent to their forensic lab for further investigations to establish the true nature of the substance and if positively identified as marijuana, the parties could face the wrath of the law.
Meanwhile, traffic offenses surged over the weekend. Sehithwa Police recorded 99 cases of speeding, while Maun Police reported 37 cases—an alarming rise compared to just 10 cases recorded the previous year.
Superintendent Mabophiwa commented on the situation, stating, “Over speeding has become rampant, particularly in this area. We have taken measures to educate residents about road safety, and while there has been an increase in speeding, I’m pleased to report no fatal accidents occurred.”
Superintendent Zilawe echoed similar sentiments, adding, “We did our best to deter fatal incidents, though unfortunately, there was one fatal accident. Overall, the situation has improved in terms of the number of serious incidents.”
Maun Airport Police Station Commander Superintendent Wetshootsile Pule revealed that the only reported fatality during the weekend occurred when a Ford Ranger vehicle collided with a VW Golf car which caught fire and the single male inside the car burnt to death.
Reflecting on the Independence weekend, both police commanders expressed satisfaction that no serious crimes, such as murder or rape, were reported. The trend extended to Gumare, Maun, and Sehithwa police precincts, which recorded a quiet weekend in terms of major criminal activities.
“We are pleased with the outcome of the weekend,” concluded Superintendent Zilawe. “Batswana showed responsibility, and we did not encounter any severe crimes.”
