Sale of contraband worries Police
Francistown Central Station Commander, Superintendent Lebalang Maniki is concerned about the sale of all sorts of contraband at the bus and taxi rank.
“From time to time and with feedback from our intelligence, we embark on operations to arrest offenders. The latest operation was just over a week ago when we arrested five women aged between 23 and 48 years,” revealed Maniki. According to the Police boss, in the majority of cases, the offenders have valid licenses to sell a particular set of goods. “While they know what the license allows them to sell, they go ahead and sell illegal items mainly from outside the country such as different types of medication including pills which are not licensed in Botswana. “The list includes unlicensed skin lightening creams. The offenders also sell alcohol, cigarettes, and tea obtained outside the country,” added Maniki, who said four of the women have already paid for admission of guilt.
“They have been sentenced to six months in prison wholly suspended,” revealed Maniki, who lamented that the items are of particular concern to the authorities as they endanger the lives of the public.
At a press briefing in Francistown, the Mayor of Francistown, Radisego, expressed concern about the frequent run-ins between the informal sector and the law enforcement agencies for suspected acts of crime.
Maniki also expressed concern over the proliferation of home-brewed intoxicants.
“During our day and night patrols, we apprehend the culprits as they not only sell unlicensed alcoholic beverages but also violate the Covid-19 protocols by selling beer which remains banned,” he said.