Cops voice concern over campsite break-ins
Police in Khwai have expressed growing concern at the wayward behavior of local youths, who have started breaking into and stealing from tourist camps with increasing frequency.
Speaking to Okavango Voice, Sergeant Tshekelo Seyayo revealed that in November alone, they received two reports of theft in campsites housing international tourists.
“The culprits would normally snatch bags and other valuables while the tourists are sleeping. They do so especially when it is raining so that we will not be able to track them down,” explained the top cop, adding the thieves target the camps as they believe the guests carry a lot of money on them.
Seyayo warned the trend could ruin Khwai’s reputation.
“My concern is that Khwai is a tourist destination for many people and, should these incidents continue, our good name would be tainted. If these tourists continue to give us bad reviews nobody will want to come here!” he said.
The police boss further criticized members of the community for fueling the problem by knowingly buying suspect goods instead of reporting their suspicions to the cops.
Seyayo was at pains to point out that generally there are no serious criminal activities happening in his jurisdiction, with the crime watch dominated by petty offences.
“Generally we receive reports of assault. We open the cases and hand them over to Maun Police upon conviction for them to be taken to prison if need be. Most of the cases we handle them with the help of Dikgosi here in Khwai kgotla,” said Seyayo.
He concluded by urging locals to be the stewards of their community, located on the outskirts of Moremi Game Reserve some 120km from Maun, and help the police eliminate crime.
