Headway in fight against livestock theft
The government of Botswana took a decision to form a strong collaboration with Zimbabwe in order to deal with the livestock theft that has been dogging the Bobirwa area for years, and the results are encouraging, President Dr. Mokgweetsi Masisi has told Babirwa.
Addressing a consultative meeting in Semolale this week, Masisi said that livestock theft has for a long time tormented residents in the area as well as the central district close to the Botswana-Zimbabwe boarder-line, and indicated that the government has increased security efforts in the region, and has invested in purchasing more uniforms for security personnel, food assistance, and Ipelegeng assistance.
Through the bilateral agreement, if there is a need for immediate security personnel intervention on each side of the border, security personnel are allowed to cross the border to help.
According to Masisi, President Emerson Mnangagwa of Zimbabwe has confirmed that there was a gross challenge of corruption on their side and now their staff members have been changed.
He added, however, that some of the crime was perpetrated by Batswana who would liaise with criminals to buy stolen livestock.
President Masisi noted that some of the decisions will not bear fruit immediately but they will benefit the nation in the long run.
A committee made up of representatives from Botswana and Zimbabwe has been formed to oversee the process of fighting the livestock problem.
The committee, alongside Defence Minister Kagiso Mmusi and other government officials, is expected to take a tour on the Botswana side of the border soon.
This committee will be co-chaired by the two countries. President Masisi said that the problem of livestock theft is not unique to the Bobirwa area but is virtually all over the country, therefore the rule of law must reign and territorial integrity must be upheld at all times.