BROKE BUT HAPPY
Former cop, Baby Police, on new career path behind the mic
On t h e backdrop of being kicked out of the police service earlier this year, the former traffic cop who was famous for her theatric control of traffic at the Molapo Crossing Mall intersection , Letlhogonolo Dichabe (29), has come out to say she is broke but surviving.
Affectionately known as Baby Police to many who loved her for being passionate about her job, Dichabe was without doubt a darling in the eyes of many drivers as they enjoyed watching her entertain them with her energetic moves as she took charge of traffic chaos during the morning rush hour in Gaborone.
The zestful Goodhope-born was a marvel to watch. She left drivers in awe all the time. Social media was forever buzzing about her. Batswana appreciated her for evidently enjoying her job to the last detail.
But all that came crashing down when she kissed her police job goodbye in April this year. This was after a video clip of her promoting a music festival wearing police uniform went viral on social media. Botswana Police Service (BPS) was not happy with that conduct.
When she went to work on the 15th of April, the day that her two-year contract was to end, she was told to return all the uniforms she had in her possession.
“I did not expect to be sent home, I had thought that my contract would be renewed. I had been working as a cop for six years and during all those years, our contracts were renewed every two years.
“Although I cannot really say I was fired, I believe the video is what led to my con
tract not being renewed but I had apologised,” Baby Police said this week, adding that she loved her job dearly.
She woke up every day excited. As a naturally energetic person, the energies she dished on the streets came out effortlessly for the entire two hours she controlled traffic during the rush hour.
“The streets were where I got the name Baby Police. I was so tiny like a baby. Whenever public transport drivers saw me they would shout Baby Police! Baby Police! Some dropped me water and I realised that Batswana appreciated what I did, they loved me,” she said.
To this day, even as a hustler focused on being a Master of Ceremonies (MC) and producing songs, the name Baby Police is stuck with her.
“I am now on the streets hustling. It is tough but I will get there some day. But I must admit I am happier, I loved my police job but the
mic does it for me now, all I ask is that Batswana support me.”
The mother of two said the little she gets from gigs goes towards supporting her children. “I am raising them alone and it is not easy. After my BPS chapter ended, I moved back to my father’s house because I could no longer afford rent,” she said.
As a talented woman, Baby Police will not sit and cry over spilled milk. “As witnessed, I took my talent to work, what you saw on the streets is Baby Police, I am forever full of life, I choose to be happy all the time,” she said.
Asked how she does it, Baby Police said as soon as she steps out of her house, she forgets all about her pain, she forces a smile and pushes negative thoughts away.
“Some said I might be suffering from attention deficit hyperactivity disorder but I am just fine. I just love seeing people happy, it makes me happy too,” she said.