In a significant development, nine police officers from the Anti-Stock Theft Unit in Mochudi, have been suspended over allegations of involvement in stock theft cases. Police Spokesperson, Near Bagali, confirmed the suspensions, stating, "Investigations will determine whether the allegations are true or not."
The Midweek Sun's independent investigations had uncovered that several suspended officers were implicated in facilitating cattle theft through various means. In a related incident, a notorious butcher and former teacher in Kanye, Wabone Matlhodi (38), was shot last week Wednesday while being followed to account for the meat of three cow carcasses found in his butchery.
Kanye Police Station Commander, Vincent Pitseetsile, confirmed the suspect's previous arrests, revealing that Matlhodi had been arrested multiple times in recent years for various offenses, including slaughtering cattle outside of the abattoir. Matlhodi, who is still hospitalized due to gunshot wounds, was arrested in February, March, and April of 2025, and several times in 2024. The Midweek Sun observed police repeatedly removing beef carcasses from the butchery labeled 'Wayside,' a name that conflicted with the suspect’s documents reflecting a different name.
This week, Minister of State President, Moeti Mohwasa expressed concern over the rising livestock theft cases, warning that the situation could discourage Batswana from rearing cattle. "Botshelo jwa motho ke kgomo, le tsentswe sekole ke kgomo, le nyetswe ka dikgomo, kgomo ke botshelo jwa Motswana!" he said, emphasising that a cow is central to the life of every Motswana. Mohwasa further announced that a National Crime Prevention Symposium will be held from March 19 to 20, where stakeholders will converge to discuss effective strategies for combating crime.
"The Symposium will serve as a platform to hear diverse perspectives on what could be done to address the rising crime levels and ensuring the safety of communities," Mohwasa said. He revealed that those involved in cattle theft often use false number plates that do not belong to them.
Upon investigation, the police frequently discover that the number plates actually belong to innocent individuals, as they have been falsified. Mohwasa affirmed the government’s continued efforts to combat livestock theft and highlighted the recent suspensions of police officers as a step towards addressing the issue.
The Midweek Sun's independent investigations had uncovered that several suspended officers were implicated in facilitating cattle theft through various means. In a related incident, a notorious butcher and former teacher in Kanye, Wabone Matlhodi (38), was shot last week Wednesday while being followed to account for the meat of three cow carcasses found in his butchery.
Kanye Police Station Commander, Vincent Pitseetsile, confirmed the suspect's previous arrests, revealing that Matlhodi had been arrested multiple times in recent years for various offenses, including slaughtering cattle outside of the abattoir. Matlhodi, who is still hospitalized due to gunshot wounds, was arrested in February, March, and April of 2025, and several times in 2024. The Midweek Sun observed police repeatedly removing beef carcasses from the butchery labeled 'Wayside,' a name that conflicted with the suspect’s documents reflecting a different name.
This week, Minister of State President, Moeti Mohwasa expressed concern over the rising livestock theft cases, warning that the situation could discourage Batswana from rearing cattle. "Botshelo jwa motho ke kgomo, le tsentswe sekole ke kgomo, le nyetswe ka dikgomo, kgomo ke botshelo jwa Motswana!" he said, emphasising that a cow is central to the life of every Motswana. Mohwasa further announced that a National Crime Prevention Symposium will be held from March 19 to 20, where stakeholders will converge to discuss effective strategies for combating crime.
"The Symposium will serve as a platform to hear diverse perspectives on what could be done to address the rising crime levels and ensuring the safety of communities," Mohwasa said. He revealed that those involved in cattle theft often use false number plates that do not belong to them.
Upon investigation, the police frequently discover that the number plates actually belong to innocent individuals, as they have been falsified. Mohwasa affirmed the government’s continued efforts to combat livestock theft and highlighted the recent suspensions of police officers as a step towards addressing the issue.
