No person is above the law!
We all know that whether citizens or non-citizens residing in Botswana, all institutions operating within our borders have to abide by the same laws, and we would like to believe that no person is above the law!
Reports that a certain celebrity went berserk, and started quarrelling with law enforcement officers because he wanted to break the law, and be given the green light while doing so are very disappointing and shocking, to say the least.
Locally celebrated musician, Odirile Sento, popularly known as Vee Mampeezy, reportedly had a run-in with law enforcement officers on Thursday. In a video that went viral on social media, Vee Mampeezy could be heard shouting at the police officers saying: “Le irang, le tswetse traffic? Le irang, go na le robbery?” This was before the traffic officer told him, “A ko o iketle pele.”
Vee continued in an irate voice: “Today ga ke iketle brah yaaka, ba ira eng?” Loosely translated: “What are you doing closing down traffic? What are you doing, is there a robbery?” While the police officer told him to calm down to which he replied: “Today I am not going to calm down my brother.
What are they doing?” Vee was allegedly charged with failure to obey police signals, unlawful use of warning lights and failure to display vehicle registration numbers.
The incident is reported to have started at the Sir Seretse Khama International Airport, where it is alleged that Vee had parked in the restricted VIP area and the police asked him to move his vehicle elsewhere or to the public parking area to which he refused.
To top it off, it is alleged that he was using blue warning lights on the road. Botswana Police Service’s Assistant Commissioner, Dipheko Motube is quoted in one of the local newspapers saying: “We received a report at around 7pm on Thursday that Vee was having a convoy from the airport and that he was even using the warning lights.
We had to re-enforce our security because he ignored the police warning signals. Only designated organisations are allowed to use blue warning lights not individuals.” Vee, our star, you are a celebrity and as such young generations look up to you!
You are their idol! You are in a position where brands consider to use your services as an ambassador because they know the likelihood of their campaign making it big is high as a result of your following.
You have always been a humble, approachable person, which we believe contributed greatly to your success.
Whatever was allegedly going on that fateful Thursday, is not something that can be celebrated. You need to formally issue an apology to law enforcement officers and the public at large for the incident.
You see Sir, if indeed the allegations are true, we don’t have a different set of rules for celebrities in this Republic! We are all governed by the same laws. We support your career and success wholeheartedly, but we won’t look the other way when you break the law and expect preferential treatment!