‘Babe Police’ ventures into showbiz
Letlhogonolo Dichabe was once the darling of the nation as a traffic cop. She received love for the enthusiasm she showed controlling traffic at Gaborone’s busiest intersections.
But before she knew it, she found herself on the street after her Special Constable contract with the Botswana Police Service was not renewed over allegations that she posted a video of herself with Zimbabwean artist, Jah Prayzah. Despite that ordeal, ‘Babe Police’ as Dichabe is popularly known, did not despair as she decided to follow another path, now as an entertainer.
Narrating to Arts & Culture what happened on the day she got fired from work, ‘Babe Police’ said the day was like any other normal day.
“Early in the morning in the day that I got relieved of my duties, I woke up like I normally do, prepared myself for work. I then received a call from the police station I was working from.
Mind you by that time when I received the call, I was busy polishing my shoes getting ready for the day. When I got at the office, I was served with a non-renewable contract letter. I was given the letter right there and there with no explanation, and mind you I was not told anything beforehand so this was all sudden nor did I even serve a month notice as normally people do. I was then told to go back home and get out of the uniform then return it as it is a procedure for people to always return the uniform, and yeah that’s how I lost my job,” ‘Babe Police’ said.
She continued to reveal that prior to being served with a non-renewable contract letter, her contract had lapsed on April but she was still then reinstated to her work until she was served with the dismissal letter after taking a video with Jah Prayzah.
“After I got dismissed, I really don’t want to lie. I really did not know what to do with myself, where will I get my next source of income as I have two kids that look up to me to fend for, how will I pay their school transport and all that,” she recalled.
But as the say when one door shuts, another one opens, she knew it was time to pick herself up and find another door to knock on. She said the whole thing was emotionally draining.
But it was up to her to decide what she wants to do with her life. She was caught between fighting for her job back and moving on. But she said she decided to turn her tragedy into a blessing in disguise. She eventually decided to explore her other talent and venture into performing arts.
The transition was not that difficult for her as she has always been an entertainer. As well as being a Motswako singer, ‘Babe Police’ has also taken to Emceeing. She wants to carve a name for herself in the entertainment space.
“I have always been an entertainer. I have this energy that some people think I induce it with something but I don’t it’s just something I have it in me naturally. Music and entertainment lives within me. So, it was really not much of a tussle for me and for me being well known also. It really helped me a lot in my new path,” she added.
She continued to point out that she intends to use her high energy and turn things around to make a very good thing out of it. “Right now it is all about music, its about building myself as a brand, bringing new Motswako music, being the best MC ever and hype girl. I’m available for booking,” she said. She thanked Batswana for supporting her during the difficult times.