TERROR AT SCHOOL
Teachers and staff at Phutisutlha Primary School in Lotlhakane East are afraid of spending time in the school premises because of vicious multiple attacks by unknown assailants who threaten and rob them.
The robberies have escalated to the extent that teachers newly posted to the school are desperately asking to swap with others from different schools. Part of the school staff have opted to move out of the school houses and now commute from nearby villages such as Molapowabojang, Kanye and Lobatse, in an attempt to ensure safety.
Some of the Phutisutlha staff revealed that they have been attacked from the teachers’ quarters multiple times by armed robbers. The robbers silently break into their houses, threaten to rape them, steal electronics such as fridges, smart televisions and microwaves as well as forcefully demand money.
A teacher who has had enough and still resides in the school premises out of desperation, Kealeboga Motlogelwa, revealed to The Midweek Sun that she was attacked three times. She has lost valuable property and money in all the incidents.
'I did not hear any sound when they broke into the house, but only saw them at my bedside. I was made to e-wallet them my last money, they were armed with big butcher knives and crowbars,' she said with teary eyes.
All these robbery incidents left Motlogelwa traumatised. She hardly sleeps at night. However, she reported all the cases to the police who are still searching for the culprits.
Another newly-posted teacher, Lebogang Mmolai, confirmed they live in fear. 'Ba a hudusa magodu a kwano,' she said, emphasising the trauma they suffer when the thieves take away their valuables.
The teachers said they recently met to map a way forward regarding safety of their lives and property.
Reached for comment, village traditional leader Kgosi Naledi Ramotswaiso said her office has not been formally informed about the robbery incidents. 'I only hear from people, none of the teachers ever came to my office to alert me about the situation,' she said.
Botswana Sectors of Educators Trade Union (BOSETU) Public Relations Officer, Oreeditse Nyatso confirmed the matter and noted that indeed Putisutlha teachers have been experiencing multiple robberies. He however said the teachers only reported the robbery incidents to the police and never to the regional structures. 'We have arranged a meeting to check on them and hear them out,' he said.
Kanye Station Commander, Superintendent Vincent Pitseetsile confirmed that they have received robbery reports from Phutisutlha teachers.
'We have a team of police officers under the CID department that are attending to the robbery cases,' Pitseetsile said, adding that it is unfortunate that they have not apprehended the culprits.