In this second edition of The Ngami Times’ eight-week Road Safety and Crime Prevention Campaign; we feature various police jurisdiction in North West region to get their levels of preparedness as the festive season approaches.
Police in Sehithwa have intensified patrols to ensure reduced road traffic accidents and crime statistics during the festive holidays.
The campaign is in line with Operation Pabalesego II aimed at promoting safer holidays and reducing crime across the country. It seeks to raise awareness on how members of the public can protect themselves on the roads and in their communities during this busy period.
Assistant Superintendent Bathuseng Lesotho of Sehitwa Police highlighted the various crimes they are dealing with and the measures being put in place as the holiday period gets busier.
On crime issues, Lesotho said their main criminalities continue to be stock theft and defilement, which are the most prevalent and serious offences reported in the area. He added that assault and murder cases also tend to rise during festive months, often triggered by excitement, alcohol consumption and conflicts that break out at social gatherings.
He explained that the police have already intensified patrols across villages, with more attention placed on drinking spots where fights often occur. “We have started our patrols around the villages to ensure visibility. Our aim is to prevent incidents before they happen,” he said.
Lesotho said police officers are also engaging communities time and again to share simple ways to protect themselves. These include advising people to secure their homes to avoid break-ins, keep an eye on their belongings in crowded places to avoid pick pocketing, and avoid unnecessary arguments that can lead to violence. He encouraged the public to act responsibly and remember that safety begins with individual behaviour.
On road safety, Lesotho revealed that the station has increased roadblocks on key routes through Sehithwa, including the busy road used by travelers heading to Ghanzi, Maun, the Okavango District and other destinations. He said these roadblocks will continue throughout the festive season and remain in place even after the holidays as part of their ongoing safety operations.
At every road block, officers take time to remind drivers about the importance of wearing safety seatbelts, avoiding speeding, ensuring vehicles are roadworthy and dangers of driving under the influence of alcohol. “We want to reduce accidents on our roads. A lot of lives can be saved if drivers follow basic rules,” Lesotho urged.
The Assistant Superintendent further urged members of the public to cooperate with the police during the festive season, adding that their goal is to ensure that everyone arrives safely at their destinations and enjoys peaceful holidays.
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