Edition 340, November 10 - 17, 2006

Ngonda Samukoya receives the keys  from Minister of Lands and Housing, Ramadeluka Seretse, to her new house built by the North West District Council in Sedie Ward, Maun. It was the highlight of the national celebrations of World Habitat Day.       (Picture: Basadi Morokotso)

BOGUS ZIM SPIES JAILED

By Golang Raditsela

Two men who posed as Zimbabwean military intelligence agents and robbed a man are in Maun prison. They are serving 18 months each, with the remainder suspended, for the theft of a cellphone and P300 cash. They were also fined P780 jointly at P10 a day for each day they had stayed unlawfully in Botswana.

Chief magistrate Tshegofatso Mogomotsi heard how the bogus “spies” Visque Zuze, 29, and Tinomovunga Mahohona, 27, deceived and robbed Mesia Masiyachengo of P300 and the cellphone, valued at P400. Mogomotsi said the court considered the fact that the two were first offenders, they were  remorseful and were of a young age as well as their pleas in mitigation.

The court also considered the aggravation of the cruelty with which the accused persons treated the complainant in order to steal his money and phone and the trauma he had gone through. Masiyachengo told The Ngami Times after the case of the events that day, and which he considers to be “a day I will never forget’. He was on his way from Maun General Hospital when he decided to take a rest in front of central Maun supermarket, where he had seen a friend. While chatting, he saw Mahohona whom he had previously met and started to talk with Mahohona. They were later joined by Zuze, who asked him why he was wearing military boots and T-shirt.

“He claimed to be from Zimbabwean Military Intelligence and sent to ‘operate officially’ and arrest Zimbabweans who have deserted the military,” Masiyachengo added. Zuze produced a Zimbabwean Military Intelligence identity card but Masiyachengo explained to Zuze that he got the clothes from his late brother-in-law, who had held a top rank in the Zimbabwean military. Zuze then accused Masiyachengo of being a deserter.

Masiyachengo told The Ngami Times that Zuze’s behaviour was “very strange” and he (Masiyachengo) even asked Mahohona to talk to his friend but he took it lightly and said: “He is an official and is doing his job”. Masiyachengo insisted that they should go to the police and Zuze agreed but when they were walking past the Maun forestry nursery enroute to the police station, Zuze suggested they stop and wait for the police there. “I was amazed as to why the police were to be waited for by the roadside instead of meeting them at the police station,” he said.

Masiyachengo believed he had to obey the man’s command and then Zuze told him to produce his identification documents. At that stage, Masiyachengo’s cellphone was snatched from his hands while he was trying to answer an incoming call because he was told “I am not allowed to use it.”

Negotiations to get the phone and the documents back followed but Zuze demanded P300 in return.  Masiyachengo did not have that amount, but managed to retrieve his documents.

It was only on the following day that Masiyachengo managed to get the money, but to his surprise he was told to also surrender his clothing. When he tried to explain, Zuze told him that he was wasting his time since he was faxing “some papers” to the military back in Zimbabwe.

The next day, Masiyachengo was called by his employer, a former Botswana Defence Force officer, who had heard of the dramatic events from Masiyachengo’s wife. The employer managed to trace the suspects and Zuze and Mahohona were arrested while they were on their way to Zimbabwe.The two are currently serving their sentences at Maun prison.

Ronald Ridge

Ridge in fighting mood

By Basadi Morokotso

Ronald Ridge is an angry man. The Member of Parliament for Maun West was not invited to a meeting in his own constituency called to debate the proposed relocation of residents to make way for the enlarged Maun airport, and also says he is being sidelined by the District Commissioner’s Office. He told this to a stormy meeting at a packed Maun main kgotla on Wednesday.

Ridge said he did not support the relocation and told residents of Botshabelo, Sedie and Moeti wards not to agree to “move to places with no amenities until such time when the Department of Water Affairs, Botswana Telecommunications and Botswana Power Corporation have supplied all that is needed.” Things took a dramatic turn whenit came to question time as most of residents felt the relevant authorities were themselves confused as they did not know exactly what to tell them whenever they come to address them.

Sub-Chief for Sedie Ward, Judith Sedumedi, said as leaders they are now stuck for words as they do not know what to tell their people at their respective kgotlas. She said recently the councillor for Kubung ward, Pelokgale Monyame, had pleaded with residents to allow them time while he and fellow councillors, as well as officials from the Department of Civil Aviation, talked over the issue over and come up with better solutions.

Sedumedi said she was surprised that Ridge is encouraging people not to relocate, while at the same time there were decisions on this made during his absence from kgotlas. Another resident, Rodgers Marumo, of Thito ward, said it seemed the leadership is disorganised because fresh ideas are brought before them at every other meeting.

“Right now, we don’t know who is right and who is wrong. You guys should go back and talk things over and be prepared to deliver to us what all of you have agreed upon. We do not want factions here”, he said.

The secretary of the North West District Council, Paulos Nkoni, called on residents to be “extra patient and understanding” on issues like these because they are very critical and need to be treated with utmost attention. He said they had even invited the Minister of Local Government, Margaret Nasha, and Maun East MP Frank Ramsden to see the place where people are to be relocated.

He asked people to bear with those in authority while they work things out and asked the leadership not to confuse people until the matter was resolved. Ridge came out firing on all cylinders when he addressed the Kgotla.

He pointed an accusing finger at the District Commissioner’s Office claiming it belittles and undermines him. The office has on several occasions failed to invite him to kgotla meetings and events in his constituency, the most recent one being World Habitat Day commemorations on October 7. He was also not invited to the airport relocation meeting called by the DCA and only got to know about the Habitat commemorations after receiving a call from the Minister of Lands and Housing, Ramadeluka Seretse, who he said seemed to be concerned about his absence even though his name appeared in the day’s programme of events.

Ridge said he had come to a point whereby he wants to forward all grievances to the Vice President’s Office as he cannot handle them any more. He went on to say that those working in the DC’s Office are “not happy” with the working conditions there amid claims that there is “too much bootlicking, jealousy, discrimination, tribalism . . .”

He said the North West District lacks behind in development while the very people who are supposed to be following up pending projects sit back and relax as if they are not concerned. In an interview with The Ngami Times after the meeting, District Officer (administration) Lesang Kgomoetsile denied claims there was bad blood between the DC’s Office and Ridge.

He said like Ridge they were invited to the commemoration for World Habitat Day and that Ridge should have received his from the NWDC. He was sure Ridge was invited because Council secretary Paulos Nkoni had confirmed it. About the bootlicking and discrimination allegations that Ridge said was the order of the day, Kgomoetsile said he was surprised why Ridge had to say that because there is discipline and procedure at their office where everyone is free to complain and express their views.

Woman’s big fine for sex with another’s man

By Keagisitswe Dioka and Lets Open

CHANOGA- A tribal court here has ordered a woman to pay P10 000 to another because she had sex with the other woman’s husband and broke up the family.

The accused, of Boseja, Maun, was taken to court by the family of Mmualehe Saulo, of Chanoga. There was a bitter war of words between the married woman and a single one who was caught breaking the family circle.

The culprit was named as Ohola Kabise, who according to evidence led in court was literally caught red-handed, and then tried to run away. She however left behind some of her belongings such as documents.There was also evidence that it was not the first time she had had sexual relations with the complainant’s husband. Sentencing her to a P10 000 fine, Kgosi Mathiba Moremi reminded her she had a right of appeal and also gave her the minimum period to pay the fine or face stern penalties which may be imposed in default of payment within a month.

Crying for leniency, the culprit requested the court to be lenient as she looks after minor children.

Donkey cart ride to rape for two young girls
By Golang Raditsela

A man who was earlier this year accused of raping two 10-year-old girls was sentenced last week to five years imprisonment for attempted rape by chief magistrate Tshegofatso Mogomotsi.Khurukhutsha Tseladiaoka, 56, asked the court to be lenient to him saying that he did not commit the offence for which he was convicted. In was also found during trial that the accused had 27 previous convictions between 1975 and 2002, and used five different names at six different villages.

In passing the sentence, the magistrate said the court took into consideration the accused’s age and his mitigation but nevertheless the court also took into consideration the serious nature of the offence, the trauma caused to the girls, their ages as well as the suffering they went through due to the incident. 

It was also stated that  Tseladiaoka failed as an elderly person to play his moral obligation of protecting innocent girls as he was well known to them and trusted as a parent, but instead he had destroyed that trust. 

Details of the case revealed that on the day of the incident, April 1, 2006, the accused met with the complainants on their way to Thaepe cattle post to pay their grandmother a visit.

The girls were with two others aged 11 and 12, and who were State witnesses, in the company of an elderly person. The accused offered the young girls a  ride on his donkey cart, promising to drop them off at their grandmother’s place. When they got there, the girls shouted at him to stop but instead he spurred on his donkeys to move even faster. Later, Tseladiaoka stopped and entered a yard where he drank alcohol before proceeding on to his cattle post.

On the way, he stopped in the bush and told the complainants to fetch an axe from his place. Since the girls did not know where he stayed, they were scared to go alone. He offered to take them there ordering the other two to stay back and take care of the cart.

When they got to his place, he offered the two girls with him some milk and then he took turns at having sexual intercourse with them. After becoming suspicious due to the long time taken to collect an axe, the two who were left with the cart decided to follow their friends’ footprints and also ended up at Tseladiaoka’s place.

They peeped through a window and saw the accused on top of one of their friends. He later came outside, offered them milk and roasted meat, and they all headed back to Maun, having not seen their grandmother. Tseladiaoka did not take the girls to their homes but dropped them some distance away.

The two girls told the parents what they have seen and the matter was reported to the police. However, the accused denied all sexual intercourse allegations, claiming that he did not do anything besides offering the girls a ride.  The two complainants were taken to Maun General Hospital for a medical examination but the medical report pointed out that no penetration was established. Therefore, the charge was changed from rape to attempted rape. Tseladiaoka was convicted on charges of attempted rape and sentenced to five years in prison.

SA airline wins ‘preferred bidder’ status for AB

Regional airline SA Airlink has emerged as the preferred bidder for Air Botswana in the long process of privatisation. This has been disclosed by the Public Enterprise Evaluation and Privatisation Agency (PEEPA).

It says “the government remains committed to successful private sector participation in Air Botswana, in the best interests of the airline and the nation that it serves.”

PEEPA adds that the strategic objectives are to ensure continuity of provision of viable, safe and efficient air transport services, to enhance the contribution of air transport in the development of tourism and other sectors of the economy, and to reduce government’s financial support and operational involvement in the industry. The airline’s network, products and services needed growth along with the operation of modern and reliable aircraft for domestic and regional markets, and to enhance the efficiency of ticketing reservations and other systems as well as strengthen management and human resource capabilities.

An evaluation committee from the Ministry of Works and Transport, Air Botswana, the Attorney-General’s Chambers and the Business Economics Advisory Council under the auspices of PEEPA evaluated eight bids, of which three were shortlisted.“The proposal of SA Airlink was found to meet the required criteria,” PEEPA said and on October 30 endorsed SA Airlink. Negotiations have now started.

AIDS kids have same needs as others
By Delphin Koma

Maun General   Hospital’s chief medical officer, Phillip Wangia, says children living with the HIV/AIDS virus have the same needs as any other child who is not infected with the disease.

These needs particularly include love and care. Wangia has told The Ngami Times that there are 309 children up to the  age of 15 years in the Ngamiland district who are enrolled under the antiretroviral (ARV) therapy programme.

Wangia emphasised that a child is considered suitable  for ARV medication at the age of six weeks and above.

However he lamented that the prevention of mother to child transmission (PMTCT) programme had been introduced long before ARV therapy to encourage expectant mothers to test for their HIV status before giving birth as to reduce the possibility of an unborn infant being infected.

He said that he had encountered problems with regard to the proper taking of the ARV medication by children and especially where there are different caregivers involved. “Children facing neglect are usually referred to the hospital’s social workers who liaise with the North West District Council’s social workers to try and get care-givers at home to understand the importance of giving the child the ARV drugs, Wangia said.

Life expectancy of children on ARV therapy, especially when started early before the immune system is damaged, is “as good as that for a child who does not have the HIV virus.”

Wangia said parents whose children are on therapy should understand the importance of giving the prescribed drugs as advised by the doctor and pharmacists adding that they also got the same needs as any other children who are not  infected.

Meanwhile, the co-ordinator of the US President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, Mark Dybul, says Batswana should be called on to “seriously address the problem of multiple sex partners.”

He said that condoms alone cannot address HIV/AIDS and that abstinence was one of the answers. Dybul last week visited Botswana and held meetings with President Festus Mogae and health officials.

EDITORIAL

Yet another removal

F or the second time this year, Maun is faced with the removal of residents to new plots in the bush. Like the first, the latest plan is building resentment towards the authorities.

First, it was the relocation of Mabudutsa residents to Matshwane and now it is a relocation affecting people from Botshabelo, Sedie and Moeti wards to Disaneng. Both are being done in the name of progress, and that of course is something that cannot be faulted. However, what can be debated is the manner in which people are being treated.

There were many ill-tempered words spoken about the Mabudutsa issue and already the fur is beginning to fly over the second relocation being planned for the redevelopment of Maun airport.

The airport is a vital cog in our existence and we agree that to relocate it, as has been suggested, to Chanoga would be a disastrous move insofar as Maun is concerned. However, care and concern must be taken to ensure that residents required to move are given every opportunity to resettle comfortably, and not simply be literally dumped far from facilities.

Everyone was quick to attack the North West District Council over the Mabudutsa issue and everyone has now been just as quick to rap the Department of Civil Aviation (DCA) regarding the airport.

But, as the DCA points out, it is not really their concern – they say that rests squarely on the shoulders of the Department of Lands along with service providers. We would suggest the DCA takes the lead by calling a round-table meeting of all concerned, spells out the picture and asks for immediate assistance.

It is important to note that there are several issues at stake – the airport must apparently be ready by 2009, the airport is absolutely vital to Maun’s economy, residents must be properly accommodated with suitable facilities and services, residents must receive adequate compensation for relocation, and trying to pull the wool over the eyes of residents by airily stating there are “1 000 plots waiting for them” at Disaneng is unacceptable.

We don’t care if there are a million plots waiting at Disaneng. Do a proper planning job before wading into a morass of disinformation, and anger, from the very people one wishes to appease.

THE MAUN SHUFFLE

Is this newspaper in for another torrid time from the authorities over our support for residents who are being relocated to bush plots far from facilities?

We were castigated by regional officialdom for supporting the Mabudutsa residents in their time of need – to the extent of being banned from North West District Council – and now we await with bated breath whether the same treatment will be handed out to us because we agree with residents of Botshabelo, Moeti and Sedie wards that they should be moved to areas with facilities when they make way for extensions to the airport.

We cannot help getting involved because if we do not, then we will be quickly accused of not doing our job – being the eyes and ears of the public at large. Criticism is always a good thing (some would not agree, of course) and criticism of officialdom hopefully keeps people on their toes.

We wholeheartedly support the extensions to the airport but it must be done in such a manner that residents are massaged into understanding it is for the good of their town. There are many ways to skin a cat, as the saying goes, and one is good public relations, Shuffle believes, instead of hit and miss tactics that cause anger.

Many newspapers face the problem of angry officialdom but in a democratic world, where free speech is supposed to be in existence along with something called freedom of the press (when it suits officialdom), the media is in the front line.

As the media always says: “You have the right not to remain silent”.

**

Maun traffic police are bemoaning the narrowness of the town’s roads, and so they should!

There is nothing more irritating than domestic animals and pedestrians occupying the same space as motor vehicles. One or the other will get hurt.

Shuffle notices that the Roads department is placing gravel on the verges of tarred roads – it has two advantages: Vehicle tyres can be protected and pedestrians won’t trip and fall over jagged edges of tar.

The traffic police say the narrow roads are a major cause of accidents. The roads have given rise to a category of motorists who shouldn’t even be allowed a driver’s licence – these are the people who pass on the gravel verges, overtake in the face of oncoming traffic, force other drivers off the road when passing “legitimately”, have only one headlight working, have no headlights working as well as back lights, and have no regard for white lines.

**

It is good news that two of the competitors for Air Botswana have fallen by the wayside because passengers – both present and future – were considering driving from Maun to their onward destinations in southern Africa if companies not conversant with air travel somehow managed to win the privatisation race. The preferred bidder is SA Airlink, an established regional airline with a good reputation.

Formal announcements are only likely in February or March but already the airline and tourism industry is abuzz with excitement as it could mean a wholesale improvement in Air Botswana services, maintenance and general business ethics.

SA Airlink has gained itself a good reputation, too, from its running of Royal Swazi Air, and is said to have contributed enormously to that country’s airline reputation and economy in general.

As the sole airline in the country, Air Botswana has progressively gone down hill, say passengers, with airline schedules thrown to the wind, planes that are shoddy, and planes that desperately need overhauling in one way or the other.

The announcement came on the eve of this week’s prestigious World Travel Market (WTM) in London, and that is good news for tour operators already having to answer questions from booking agents about the alleged service offered by Air Botswana.

BDF to recruit women

GABORONE – The first women to be recruited into the Botswana Defence Force (BDF) may be inducted by March next year.

This has been said by the newly-appointed commander of the BDF, Lieutenant General Tebogo Masire, when he assumed command last week. He said a final report on the mater was to be presented to the Defence Council “and with their blessing, recruitment for the cadre of women into the BDF will commence by March next year, ending our 30 years as a men’s club.”

Police hunt Caprivi militants

KASANE - Police are hunting a group of alleged former Caprivi Strip militants who apparently crossed into Botswana recently and robbed tourists at a camp. About 20 tourists were robbed of valuable camera equipment, money and documents as a result of the raid, which took place at night.

The camp was situated close to the Namibia-Botswana border in an area which is not protected by border guards. There is also no official crossing point nearby.

Meanwhile, police at Kazangula have been unable to confirm reports that a trader in the village shot and killed a man described as “a Zimbabwean army officer” who had allegedly stolen goods from his shop.

According to the story, the Zimbabwean had first been shot in the knee and then in the leg before the trader allegedly fired a third time.

Huge losses due to bush fires

More than 2-million hectares (ha) of land has been affected by bush fires that have roared across the northern and western regions of the company.

At times, dense clouds of smoke reduced visibility, with airplane pilots reporting they had had to climb to higher altitudes. The blaze destroyed fauna and flora in the Mababe Depression, Khwai, Botshelo, Gidibe,  Matsebe, Gudikwa, Xhaxhana, Xhwiihaba and as far north as the Tsodilo Hills.These areas cover both agricultural land and wildlife management areas.Soil organisms, butterflies, snakes, small game species, large predators, livestock and farmlands have all been affected, it has been established.

In some instances, villages and remote homes were in danger, with private property being consumed by the flames. Firefighting teams from the Agriculture department as well as police, soldiers and villagers fought effortlessly to stop the fires from spreading further. In the Chanoga area there have been reports of new fires breaking out, and these are under surveillance in case they spread as a result of high winds. Earlier this year, a giant fire caused major damage in the Kalahari Desert area, including the Makgadikgadi Pans, with a loss of grazing lands and some livestock.

Restaurant hit by thieves

Thieves struck hours after a charity function was held at a local restaurant this week. The armed robbers pointed a gun at the night-watch- man, and then tied him up as well as gagging him.

It appeared the thieves knew where money was being kept but the night’s takings had already been removed from the premises by the owners. Police are investigating. In another incident, a person allegedly involved in a robbery at a safari business last week was apprehended at a local bar over the weekend.

‘Teachers impatient, parents should take lead’
By Basadi Morokotso

Principal Education Officer for Ngamiland, Tlamelo Beleme, says these days teachers are impatient with children, adding that parents should take it upon themselves to build and mould their children.

Speaking at the Bonatla Primary School’s prize giving, she said if a child has a problem or weaknesses at home, teachers should be notified so that they help find solutions.

Beleme also urged parents to offer a helping hand by providing individual support for the education of their children so that they might be able to fend for themselves in future. She also urged children to take their work seriously and urged them to avoid peer pressure, and to avoid being involved in drug taking and sexual relationships at an early stage.

The manager at Metropolitan Botswana, Joseph Ntsuke, urged parents to take a participatory role in teaching their children and work hand in hand with teachers as they can not cope alone. He mentioned that parents should primarily take note of their own behaviour and determine how that behaviour will affect the development and well being of their children.

He said Parents Teachers Association (PTA) meetings should be taken as a starting point to get to know each other better and build good working relations. “We are living in an age where society is faced with many challenges that are pronounced at a time where things are changing fast, making it difficult for the society to comprehend, let alone to understand what one is about,” Ntsuke said.

School principal Dorcas Sethoko said, as teachers, they are faced with many challenges which included children staying with unemployed parents who cannot meet their day to day demands, orphaned children who come to school on an empty stomach, abuse at home and sexual abuse. She said all these create an atmosphere in which teaching and learning suffocate and fail to thrive. Sethoko said the other problem is that of the devaluation of the pula whereby prices have increased, making life for many people impossible.

‘Crime is hurting Botswana’

GABORONE – The Commissioner of Police, Edwin Batshu, says escalating crime is a threat to the country’s socio-economic stability.

Opening the annual police senior officer’s conference here this week, Batshu said violent and intrusive crime such as armed robbery where financial institutions are targeted, rape, murder and break-ins of homes by criminals impeded the country’s development, peace and stability. However, compared to previous years, the incidence of robbery, burglary and theft, house asnd store break-ins had shown a downward trend as a result of the involvement of the Botswana Defence Force (BDF) in crime prevention. He was concerned about deaths caused by road accidents due to drunken driving, excessive speeding, careless driving, errors by pedestrians ands animals roaming the roads. More deterrent penalties are being included in a proposed amended Road Traffic Act.

• According to the latest police weekly crime report, there were 51 armed robberies between October 30 and November 5 (eight carried out with handguns) and 27 rapes nationwide. 

Council’s great gesture to battling mom
By Basadi Morokotso

Ngonda Samukoya, of Sedie ward in Maun, will never forget the 2006 World Habitat Day commemorations as on that day she received a donation of a two-roomed house from the North West District Council (NWDC). It happened during celebrations at the Maun main Kgotla on Friday. NWDC secretary Paulos Nkoni said the Council had identified Samukoya as a person in need and decided to build the house, worth P30 000, for her. Samukoya has two children, one of whom is mentally disturbed and the other has disappeared. The honour of handing over the keys to the new owner fell to Minister of Lands and Housing, Ramadeluka Seretse.

Seretse said World Habitat Day was designated by the United Nations.  He said the theme the theme - “Cities, Magnets of Hope” - is a reminder that many people nowadays do what is termed rural urban migration, whereby people, more especially the youth, migrate to urban centres for a variety of reasons.

He said migration has come a long way, adding that people have the right to follow their priorities and do whatever they feel best suits them because cities and urban areas are perceived to be magnets of hope and are better known to provide better employment opportunities, amenities and decent living environment, housing.

Migrations could be of good use at times as they also contribute to the growth of the country because it is in these cities where most manufacturing and service industries are found but he also noted that migration of foreigners from their respective countries also has a negative impact as it is believed to be depriving countries of their skilled personnel.  He urged the gathering to ensure that cities do not become “areas of despair” so that both the rural and urban population benefit from their existence.

NWDC chairman John Benn said Maun was chosen for this year’s event because like other major towns it experiences accommodation problems and unemployment. Another contributing factor was that Maun is a tourist destination.

Benn said because of rural urban migration, people are said to have abandoned their traditional way of living and that everyone cannot wait to stay in urban centres in search of greener pastures.

Benn said in most cases, the youngsters who flock the cities do not possess any specialised skills and as a result end up taking odd jobs such as working as housemaids for the rich, street vendors, hawkers and many other jobs.

He said however that those who are not absorbed by either the formal or informal sectors will normally succumb to pressure and desperation, and end up involving themselves in crime.

Copper group backs the future

Discovery Nickel, the Australian company that is planning to open a copper mine close to Maun, has underscored its commitment to the future development of Botswana by seeking a listing on the Botswana stock Exchange. Discovery has advanced exploration projects at both Maun and Selebi-Pikwe.

Managing director Jeremy Read said at the company’s headquarters in Brisbane, Australia, this week that “encouraging results from both projects and the opportunity to attract new investors had prompted the decision to join a group of international companies dual listed on the BSE.”

In its latest report to the company, Snowden Mining Industry consultants, who have made an independent study of the viability of the Maun project, says that “it could support a viable open pit mine and the project’s existing mineralisation grades of 1.2% copper.”

Read said: “We now have greater confidence in the ability of the Maun project to deliver the resource base required to establish a mine.” There is potential to establish profitable open pit, underground and combined open pit/underground operations.

SPORTS

Soccer referees who are taking a stand after a financial disagreement with the local regional committee of the Botswana Football Association (BFA).        

Refs boycott games once again

The Maun football fraternity      received yet another blow last  weekend when referees failed to show up to officiate regional league games.

Financial issues were a major problem that caused all the commotion after an unsuccessful meeting last Friday between the referees and the regional Botswana Football Association committee.Like last season, the situation has come to a standstill again over the same issue. This time around, the BFA’s regional chairman and his committee Kgato Motai failed to reach an agreement with the referees, and the matter ended with the officials not turning up for the games.

Motai said the committee had called for a meeting so that they could make arrangements for payments this season as well as paying the referees for officiating at the recent Cosmos Top 8 games. The problem arose when Motai asked the referees for their budget for the Top 8 tournament and for which the BFA had asked the referees to use only three officials so as to meet their charges.

Four referees however participated in the games, which resulted in the BFA budget not matching with the referees’ numbers. Meanwhile BFA called an urgent meeting on Wednesday this week with the referees to solve the matter before this weekend games.

According to the chairman of the Nhabe regional football association Kgato Motai, they have came to an agreement with the officials that their money for their services during the tournament will be paid by today (Friday). Themoney for the first games of the league will also be paid.

Motai also mentioned “ all is being taken care of, we sat down with the referees, though we had some misunderstandings but we have come up with a solution to settle all the money that we owe them.”

However, the referees agreed with the committee, but insisted, “ If they don’t full fill their promise, we don’t think there will be any reason for us to go for the games. We have been patient enough with our committee, but we are very much disappointed with how the matter is being handled. We are not in a position to talk to the media, but the truth is we are owed more than P20 000 for last season, but we have decided as a committee to put that aside and try to work with the present committee which we hope and trust won’t let us down.”  

Pitch mix-up stops regional league matches 

Social football and a beer fest came out on top at the Maun sports complex this weekend when regional league soccer teams tried to play their official fixtures.

The mix-up over who could use the pitch was the result of the Botswana Football Association (BFA) not having notified teams before the weekend about the use of the stadium. The affected games were to have featured Sankuyo, CTO, Cubs and North West United (Elephants)

Bush Bucks, who travelled from Sankuyo for the match that never was, said that they have spent more than P3 000 in preparation for the game.

“It’s a disappointment to us because we spent a lot of money for which we are not being refunded. That is the most painful thing for us. We were only to be told at the last minute that the stadium had been booked for a beer fest, Sankuyo officials said. Other local teams also complained against the committee about poor communication, and late arrangements.

With just two weeks before the new season starts, this a clear sign of a bad beginning for the regional committee which had earlier promised to do its best. 

Five games were played over the weekend at Makgabisanaga grounds. Zungu United lost to their bush counterparts, Gunners of Khwai. 1-0 in a tightly contested game.

Gunners scored the only goal in the early stages of the 1st half to register three points. Despite Zungu’s attempts of coming back, Gunners stood firm and denying their opponents a chance to score.

On the other hand, Maun Tigers, who are expected to contest for the league title, had their hopes shattered when they were held to a 2-all draw by a reformed BMC. The games at Makgabisanaga were officiated by Sankoyo coach Davies Chibemba and BFA chairman Kgato Motai.

On Sunday at the stadium, Chibemba came to the rescue again when he officiated at the Makgabisa and Fuji Rollers match, which ended in a 0-0 draw. Maun United are leading the log as they won their game 4 -2 over Moeti United, while Maun Terrors scored two second half goals to register a 2-0 win over Gaegolelwe.

Ma Gee Man managed to hold the defending champions for the first 45 minutes, until substitute and hard running Pelontle Shakes Dimbo rose from the bench to score two goals that were enough for his side to register their first win of the new season.

THE WEEKENDER PICTURE (Supplement to The Ngami Times)

The elusive Sitatunga is one of the most difficult animals to capture on film. It takes time and tenacity, endless hours in a mokoro and the patience of Job – and this was proved by wildlife photographer and safari personality Doug Wright who spent many hours waiting to take this amazing photograph. This Sitatunga was hugely suspicious but Wright’s patience paid off as he got to within 6 metres of the animal for this photograph.

Death sentence challenge now a book

A challenge against the death sentence passed by High Court on two Basarwa men is the subject of a book written by Elizabeth Maxwell and Alice Mogwe. The book – “In the Shadow of the Noose” – was launched in Gaborone this week and traces a legal case brought by Ditshwanelo – The Botswana Centre for Human Rights.

The two men were sentenced to death in 1997 and successfully challenged the death sentences passed on them. Their convictions and sentences were set aside in 1999 but after being re-charged in 2000, the men were acquitted and released in 2005. The State then appealed, and the case finally ended in 2006.

This was the first time the death penalty had been challenged after all established  avenues of appeal had been exhausted and their story rises fundamental questions about access to justice, the right to a fair hearing as well as poverty and equality in a multi-cultural society.

It is a book that has been recommended by the patron of Ditshwanelo, Archbishop Walter Paul Khotso Makhulu, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, and top advocate George Bizos, a former judge of the Botswana Court of Appeal and who represented former South African president Nelson Mandela during the Rivonia trial which resulted in anti-South African government activists being sentenced to long terms of imprisonment for treason.

Big support for worthy causes

The Maun community has donated much needed funds to two worthy causes over the past few days. Recipients of their generosity have been the Maun Animal Welfare Society (MAWS) and Motse wa Tsholofelo day care centre, which operates under the auspices of the Maun Counselling Centre.

Both fund-raising events took place at The Sports Bar and Restaurant and both were sold out. The MAWS event was in conjunction with the arrival of a second group of British vets who have been taking part in the organisation’s dog spaying exercise. The visiting vets have been working in Maun and Shakawe.

A wine tasting, dinner and auction of fine wines was held in support of the day care centre situated at Matshwane.  The centre is assisted by the rotary club of Francistown and other benefactors and offers psychological and social services to orphans and other vulnerable children.

The wines were donated by Robertson Wineries, of South Africa, with the company’s managing director and wine master Bowen Botha introducing a range of 10 wines.

Two Dutch volunteers have brought smiles to the faces of Thuso Rehabilitation Centre staff and patients. Rene Allemekinders and Marije van de Kreeke came to Thuso in January to undertake a variety of tasks and projects – foremost among them being a swimming pool. Working with Kauko Kekkonen, of the FELM, and students the pool has now been completed. Paying for much of the work out of their own pockets, the Dutch volunteers said that their goal on leaving the Netherlands for Botswana was to help people with disabilities. “With the first splash in the pool, we feel we have accomplished our goal,” they said. The couple want to thank their families and friends, Thuso staff and students, A to Z Mica Build, Sid Halsband, Mulbridge Transport, PostNet, Knowman Enterprises and the Dutch organisation Horizon Holland for their assistance. The pool was officially handed over to Thuso director D Samaemo and was immediately taken into use as a much-needed facility.

Many at Maun beer fest

Maun sports complex was on Saturday night abuzz with night crawlers and party lovers alike at the annual Maun Beer fest, dubbed “Poo ya Tsone.” The beer fest organised by Trekkers nightclub was sponsored by Castle, St Louis, Maduo Lodge, Club Trekkers and PR Motors. The event attracted people from a wide area.

This time around there were many serving points and papa and seswaa were served to the revelers. The entertaining crew included Jeff Matheatau, Vee, Maxy, Culture Spears and South African artists such as Mshoza, Mzambia and Msawawa.

Revellers felt that there was need to review the way artists play on stage. The feeling is that there should be one artist per category to avoid monotony and also felt that South African artists should be brought on board but not in large numbers. The event was not characterised with many criminal activities, except for a few cellular phones that were snatched. The beer fest will on November 24 move to the small mining town of Sua where it is  dubbed “Rakgadiatsone.”

Botswana to benefit from Russian journalists visit

By Bright Kholi

Botswana tourism is expected to get a major boost from Russia following a visit recently by 13 journalists from popular newspapers and magazines in that country.
The group visited the Okavango Delta as part of an international project known as the “Volkswagen Touareg Experience.” The journalists completed their tour last week.

The journalists, who were accompanied by the Volkswagen Public Relations Manager, Gordaservich Andrey, spent six days in the Delta, especially the Moremi Game Reserve. The journalists told a group of local reporters that the experience they had in Botswana was very unique. They also pointed to the fact that although they are used to seeing wildlife in other areas, which in most cases are in zoos, Botswana was unique in the wildlife is found in a very natural and pristine environment.

They said Russians do not know Botswana but added that the trip will definitely benefit Botswana as they are going to tell the Russians about their remarkable experiences here. Andrey said both Botswana and Volkswagen were to benefit from the VW sponsored trip. He said the reason VW chose Botswana was to introduce Botswana tourism to areas where it is not known.

Major infrastructure developments for parks
By Bright Kholi
 

The government and the European Union are to jointly fund additional infrastructure inside Moremi Game Reserve, and the Nxai and Makgadikgadi National Parks. According to Tshepo Mangwe of the Department of Wildlife and National Parks (DWNP), the project has already started with a consultant having been appointed. He has prepared a tender document that has since been approved by both the government and EU.

The plans include a DWNP headquarters for the Nxai Pan and Makgadikgadi Pans national parks at Phuduhudu. Housing is being provided for 28 staff. The whole project will see 100 staff houses being built in the three parks and 8 gates will also be erected.

Mangwe said interested companies from Botswana and other countries have been invited to show their interest in the project. Six local companies had indicated their interest.

The six contractors were this week in Gweta and Maun to be familiarised with the areas  and also for them to understand the tender document. Mangwe said this was necessary for the contractors to know the area well before they bid.

Magistrate stops court turning into ‘zoo’
By Golang Raditsela
 

A man who is accused of raping a 15 year old girl in December 2005 was told to sit down in court while cross-examining a State witness. Foster Marenga, who appeared with his co-accused, Meshak Masake and Keemetse Nkwe, said he should be acquitted from the matter. That was not to happen as he was ordered by magistrate Nsikelelo Moyo to sit down before he could finish because he was “beating around the bush”.

Marenga’s questions were in response to evidence given by the investigating officer, Sergeant Siako Sereto, who disclosed that Marenga and his colleagues had co-operated worked with him during the investigations and had “confessed to the offence.”

He stated that the three took him to the scene of crime and admitted the ownership of  exhibits found there, such as a knife pouch and two empty condom packets.

Marenga denied all the evidence led by the investigating officer, claiming he was framed  and had never admitted committing any crime. He kept asking Sereto the same questions in different ways or asking questions on already provided information.

Moyo told him that the court is not a circus, a zoo or a playground. “I am in charge of these proceedings and it is in my power to make sure the proceedings are back on track in case the accused’s questions get out of the way,” he said.

Despite all the explanations given by the magistrate, Marenga did not believe justice was done. He said he was given the chance to speak out and now he was deprived of the opportunity to use it. He considered it “unfair and unjust” for the magistrate not to allow him to express himself.

Moyo interrupted and said: “Sit down before you could misbehave and be sent to prison for the next 48 hours”. The ruling was that the three accused persons have a case to answer for. Trial dates are still to be set.

The mangled wreckage of two vehicles that collided head-on in Sedie Ward on Saturday night. Five people were seriously injured, one critically. See story on Page 2.                                                                (Pictures: Bose Sethupa)

‘GET OUT’ MURDER

By Golang Raditsela

Fight between two sets of brothers,  not related to each other, ended in a horrific murder in Maun this week. It happened when a tenant and his brother living in a room in Sanyedi ward were told to vacate the premises immediately by the Kopano family who own the property.

The parents of the victim believe he would still be alive today had doctors at Maun General Hospital been on duty to tend to his wound. Instead, Goabaone Kopano, 20, is believed to have died from a chronic loss of blood.

Kopano, whose family had already been paid the rent for the room, had had an argument with the other brothers and wanted to return the rent money. The two-day argument was said to have been “a misunderstanding” that turned tragically wrong.

In an interview with The Ngami Times, Kopano’s uncle, Motswai Motswai, expressed his pain at the loss and explained how it all came about. He said the killing came as a result of a misunderstanding that apparently occurred  between Kopano‘s elder brother and the tenants on Monday. The argument was settled by the intervention of parents and neighbours and everyone thought things were “all fine”.

However, Kopano’s brother did not want the tenants to live in the yard any longer and asked that they leave immediately. On Tuesday about 7pm, his elder brother arrived with the money and asked the tenant to move out.

That restarted the argument. Kopano went to the scene and supported his brother’s suggestion. A fight started between one of the tenants and Kopano’s brother as well as between Kopano and the tenant’s younger brother.

The younger brother then stabbed Kopano below the ribs, just above the left side of his waist.  “The cut was very deep”, Motswai said. The police were called, attended to the injured man and rushed him to hospital where it was found that doctors were not on duty and the injury was too complicated for nurses to handle. He was eventually attended by a doctor at 1am on Wednesday morning, and while being treated, was found to have died.   “We believe he died due to a loss of blood while waiting for the doctor because by the time the doctor arrived, the bleeding had stopped,” one anonymous family member said.  Police station commander Moitaly Thokweng confirmed the incident and said they have arrested a suspect while investigations are continuing.

‘Porn rings smashed’

Maun has been painted as a pornography centre by a national Sunday newspaper.

The “Sunday Standard” reports in its main story in the latest edition that “pornography video production studios are mushrooming in Maun”. It says six nationals of Norway, Germany and Britain and  four Batswana have been questioned by the national Diamond and Narcotics Squad (DNS) on suspicion of  “filming and trafficking ‘made in Botswana’ blue movies after police smashed a ring of underground porn production sets operating in Maun”, the newspaper said.

The squad had also allegedly confiscated images “generated from Maun.” It is claimed in the story that “underground studios” said to be in the town are being utilised for the making of the videos.

The commander of the DNS, Senior Superintendent Merafhe Kebonyemodisa, said this week investigations are continuing and he was therefore not able to comment.  He will be returning to Maun soon to continue investigations.

There are five Norwegian nationals known to be living in Maun and as far as is known, none have been questioned. The German embassy has 29 nationals registered as living in Maun and also as far as was known, none had been questioned in regard to any such offence.

The large British expatriate community in Maun and the North West District also appears to be just as mystified by the reference to “two Britons” being held.

The Norwegians, Germans and Britons are alleged in the report to have been running “separate” but organised porn rings which involved the making of porno films and the “importation” of female actors from Francistown, who were allegedly filmed on video with “European men.”

The Maun DNS several months ago raided several businesses and homes in search of drugs and pornography following claims, it is believed, made by a man who had been arrested by police for being in possession of drugs. They questioned leading business people, searching offices and homes.

Only one person appeared in court as a result – for possession of an elephant tusk, which is regarded as a “government trophy,” and which was found in the bush several years ago and apparently innocently kept as a keepsake.

Extra millions for new Maun

The cost of building the new Maun district hospital has increased by almost P100-million. The reason is because of construction problems, as well as electrical and mechanical delays following the bankruptcy of a sub-contractor, Kentz Botswana.

The 270-bed hospital in Disaneng was supposed to have been opened this year but this has now been put forward to early 2008. A Ministry of Health public relations officer, Colo Boitshoko, is quoted in the government newspaper, the “Daily News”, as saying the project was initially expected to cost around P254-million. It will now cost P352-million. Dieter Pickhardt, the project manager for the project’s main contractors, Stocks and Stocks Construction, is also quoted in the same newspaper saying a replacement company to Kentz Botswana has since been found in Sharps Electrical and IMS Pipe Works Services.

The project is now expected to only be completed by February 2008.

Airport plan leads to tensions

By Basadi Morokotso

There is mixed reaction, emotion and frayed tempers over the relocation of hundreds of people to make way for a renovated Maun airport.

Construction to international standards is due to start early next year and be completed in 2009 to cater for bigger aircraft and hopefully be ready to handle thousands of tourists lured to southern Africa by the 2010 World Cup soccer tournament that will take place in neighbouring south Africa. Kgotla meetings addressed in Maun this week by the director of Department of Civil Aviation (DCA), Olefile Moakofi, heard of how residents of Botshabelo, Sedie and Moeti wards would be relocated to Disaneng where it is said thousands of plots have been allocated.

But before he did so, Moakofi had to apologise to the main kgotla for having bypassed it previously by going straight to other kgotlas to put the DCA’s point of view. He described this as “a blunder.”

Moakofi said the issue had been raised with the Tawana Land Board and the District Commissioner on how best to tackle it, with the most important question being that of compensation. “I know people are desperate to know where they are going to be allocated space, and if there are facilities such as schools, clinics, roads, how much money to expect and so forth,” he said.

Residents at the meetings seemed less interested about the so-called “promised land” as well as the money, saying their interests should be met first because they had worked hard and survived hard times to build their houses only to now be told they have to surrender their homes to make way for development.

Some felt the government should have moved the airport elsewhere instead of moving thousands of people. They demanded to know why they had to be relocated to a place with no amenities.

A resident, Samson Mothowaborwa, said they cannot improve their existing homes as they don’t know what will happen next, saying the concerned parties at DCA “should go back and reconsider.”

Kgosana Judith Sedumedi, of Sedie ward, said she was surprised to hear that compensation cheques will be out in two weeks, even though they were never consulted as to how much they are entitled to or the time-frame given to allow them to build their new houses if at all they agree to move.

She said they have been hard hit and belittled by the authorities. Sedie ward councillor Kaokapita Kaokapita shared the same sentiments, saying there was poor consultation.

He said DCA should take into consideration that the “very people who are relocating have school going children.” He wondered what was going to be done if there are no schools in the new residential area and would they be transported to and from school.  Kaukapita said they are currently receiving complaints from people in Disaneng and Matlapaneng that their lives as well as of their children’s lives are at risk because they have to make use of a mokoro (canoe) day in and day out to cross the Thamalakane River when going to and from work or school.

Moeti ward headman John Temane said DCA should reconsider and blamed the government for poor planning and disorganisation. Councillor Pelokgale Monyame, of Kubung ward, demanded to know the criteria being used when compensating residents. He told Moakofi to plan a better forum at which councillors will be involved and “wise decisions made” before presenting to the public because an issue like this is very critical and can land people in serious trouble.

Moakofi said some of the questions directed to him were the responsibility of others as DCA had never come across a situation whereby they had to relocate many people. Moakofi then admitted the situation was not of their making as they didn’t follow the right channels and that their assessment was not properly done, saying officials from the Department of Lands should have  briefed people on what to expect as well as how the department was going to handle the matter. 

He said that they are still awaiting responses from Botswana Power Corporation, Botswana Telecommunications and the Department of Water Affairs because these too are involved even though the main project is the responsibility of the DCA.

Tawana Land Board’s Oabile Chombo said there are more than 1 000 plots awaiting those who will be relocating and that adjustments were going to be made. There are plots for a clinic, and primary and junior schools. Guidelines for the year 2006 are being used to see how compensation payments are going to be handled. It was agreed that the DCA should make further assessments.
 

Thieves rob house, school

An undisclosed amount of money and important documents have been stolen from Maun’s Okavango International School. It is understood that thieves took a safe in which the money and documents had been placed. A P5 000 reward leading to information about the theft has been posted by the school.

In another incident, two youths looking after the home of one of the parents and two assistants were tied up by four robbers, one allegedly carrying a 9mm pistol. One of the youths was hit over the head while the thieves broken open a gun safe and stole, it is understood, two rifles as well as pula and foreign currency.

The family’s green Prado motor vehicle was also stolen but was later recovered near the Thamalakane River. Police described the robbers as “very dangerous” and armed. They are investigating both incidents.

The Rainbow electricity card shop in Boseja was robbed by two men who stole an amount of P4 587, including a cellphone from the shop assistant. The incident took place in mid-afternoon on October 29.

A shop spokesman said two men had been seen in the vicinity earlier and later had entered the shop, claiming they had been sent to repair the air conditioner. The shop assistant refused them access and the two then allegedly grabbed her and tied her up. After she screamed for help, patrons of a nearby bottle store ran to the scene and chased the men, who dropped a bag containing the stolen cellphone and their clothing.

Record number of road accidents
By Golang Raditsela

October was the worst for car accidents, both fatal and minor, says district traffic officer Alfred Magudu. During this month, police recorded over 30, including two which involved two deaths and the medical evacuation of one victim.

On Saturday there was a head-on collision between a Toyota Hilux pick-up and a Toyota Corolla car along Sir Seretse Khama Road near the Sedia Hotel. Five people suffered critical injuries, with one man was airlifted to Princess Marina Hospital while the other four were admitted in Maun General Hospital.

In another accident, a BMW car drove into a dwelling house early one morning. Police said it was due to negligence and lack of attention when driving. The driver, named by police as a 30-year-old Zimbabwean, Walter Musakanye, lost control. The house owner, Margaret Thabare, together with her three children, escaped injury.

Safety of camp staff, guests a priority
By Basadi Morokotso

Although relatively few lives of employees and guests have been lost after being attacked by wild animals in national parks and reserves, the issue of security at camps has been questioned by various authorities.

In a random survey, The Ngami Times was given some answers but many safari camp operators refused to comment about the situation, claiming that such incidents are few and far between and in any event should not be publicised even if people are killed.

The most recent incident occurred in the Savuti when a camp employee was in October killed by a lion. Two tourists taking an early morning game drive are understood to have found the lion with the body. The Operations Director at Wilderness Safari, Mark Havercroft, said “it is true that some of camp staff and clients are not protected at all.” 

He said Wilderness Safaris, however, took every measure to ensure the safety of their clients and staff by erecting 2-metre (6-foot) high diamond mesh electric fences around their camps so that guests can see the animals through the fence but deny them access to get closer. “We need to protect them from any harm,” he said

A spokesperson for Gunn’s Camp says in the past 26 years that they have been in operation, they have never had such incidents or of guests complaining of being threatened by animals found there.

She said people should always take precautions and know what is happening around them and that even though they offer tented accommodation in some of their camps, tourists and employees are taken care of in the most diligent way because camp managers and tour guides are always on standby to offer all assistance that they might need.

Talita Young, of Kgori Safaris, says animals that roam their camp have never done any harm to their guests and staff. She says the camps have wooden bungalows which are very safe, and that they take it upon themselves to monitor each and every movement made by wildlife.

The District Wildlife coordinator in Maun, Sibangani Mosojane, told this newspaper they have had only one incident whereby a man was attacked and killed by an elephant in Chitabe area last year, while one was badly injured by a lion and another attacked by a leopard.

This year alone, four people lost their lives to elephants in different incidents. He said that the most affected areas of human-wildlife conflict appeared to be Seronga and Nxamasere because it is in those places that elephants roam freely. Mosojane said there was no way they could limit or govern the movements of the animals  because they, too, have the right to exist. Mosojane says there is too much human population in these areas and they encroach in wildlife areas, putting the blame for some incidents on people who he says behave differently and are in most cases under the influence of alcohol.

He said these people move around at odd times when the elephants are easily seen. “It’s high time people learn to compromise and advocate for co-existence because each one of us, animals included, has the right to live and move freely,” he said.

Masire to succeed Fisher at BDF

GABORONE – The new commander of the Botswana Defence Force (BDF) is Major-General Tebogo Masire.

He assumed his new post this week on the retirement of Lieutenant-General Matshwenyego Fisher after eight years service as commander. Masire has been promoted to the rank of Lieutenant-General.

Fisher is retiring to take up a position as senior lecturer at the Centre for Defence and Strategic Studies, part of the Southern African Defence and Security Management Network.
 

EDITORIAL

Pointing fingers

Maun has been called many names – crime capital, rape capital and now a haven for pornography merchants.

A national weekend newspaper said on its front page recently that six people had been questioned in Maun over the alleged activities of “pornography rings” that are said to operate in the town.

It made for a good read but if the writer knew anything about Maun, he or she would have realised that to state blandly that “two Norwegians, two Germans and two Britons” were involved is tantamount to the ostracising of potentially innocent people in the eyes of the rest of the population.

As we report this week, there are only three Norwegians in Maun, as well as 29 Germans and a number of British nationals.  That means that strange glances are being cast in the direction of these people, and rightfully they are aggrieved at being labelled as probable pornographers.

Newspapers do not deliberately identify people who have not been charged in a court of law by their nationality. They are given the benefit of doubt until otherwise proved, part of the accepted rule of law that we should all come to expect. It is also called fair play.

THE MAUN SHUFFLE

Tourists on a safari vehicle must have thought they were in a tinpot state run by a despot rather than in a country that professes to be democratic when they were stopped at a roadblock last week.

Officious, and armed, security forces ordered everyone out of the large vehicle, demanded all their passports and questioned each one – just as they had been doing to ordinary men and women (residents of Maun) the whole week.

It wasn’t a very nice scene as foreign tourists, bemused at first and then becoming agitated as they milled about in 40 deg C heat, realised they were being treated like common criminals by personnel who had no idea of how to treat tourists, who contribute towards the lifeblood of this country.

It happened at the old narrow bridge and makes one wonder why on earth tourist buses are being targeted along with people going about their daily affairs.

Surely it is important for the police and special services group (SSG) to show some finesse in their dealings with the public and not simply demand identification.  Apart from passports, those manning the roadblocks were also asking for residence and work permits and driver’s licences.

Shuffle knows Botswana has a “stop and search” policy in operation in a bid to rid the country of unwanted people, such as illegal immigrants, but does this really have to stretch to tourists?

It’s bad enough for local residents to be pulled up by police searching for motorists with “illegal” SADC driver’s licences!

**

Bird watching is a fast-growing hobby and on many a day one will find ardent twitchers out in the bush hoping to spot those elusive feathered friends. Birdlife Botswana is encouraging and promoting an interest in and knowledge of birds, and Shuffle is sure there are many who have been delighted by the wonderful experience they have had out in the field.

Birdlife Botswana has been running a photographic competition which has attracted dozens of entries from all over the country.

The competition, called “feathers in focus”, was open to everyone. Those who entered had to submit five bird or bird-related photos and the competition was judged on composition, creativity, impact and technical ability.

Maun birdwatchers were very successful in this event, with “Davey of Maun” securing a special award of a year’s membership of Birdlife Botswana in the portrait category while another prize went to “Hazellwood,” also of Maun.

The action category saw a German couple win free membership as well, while Gavin Blamire took an award for his picture of an African Skimmer.

A photograph of a Bateleur by “Monwela of Maun,” gained a prize as did Lee Wittam, of Maun, who won a weekend for two with first prize in the action category.

**

The government has been engaged in a mammoth task of fighting the HIV/AIDS epidemic for the past 15 years and much has been achieved in terms of prevention strategies.

There is now a high level of awareness, community mobilisation, establishment of care and support services at both national and community levels.

However there are still certain segments of the population that need to be strengthened and to do this one has to accelerate our efforts.

One of these are people with disabilities. They face a particularly high risk of contracting HIV, so in order to address this issue, the major challenge of the Ministry of Health is to develop disability-specific material for promoting HIV/AIDS programmes, such as education, testing, counselling and antiretroviral therapy.

The Camphill community Trust and the Ministry are co-hosting a network event next Tuesday (November 7) at Otse to address the issue. It is hoped that different groups will be encouraged to actively participate and network so that the service gap to people with disabilities can be properly bridged.

Farmer quizzed over killing of lions
By Lets Open

An elderly farmer has been questioned by wildlife department scouts for allegedly poisoning up to five lions and other animals that had been attacking his livestock. The Hainaveld farmer who is partially blind could be prosecuted under animal protection and national parks legislation.

The man cannot be identified at this stage but apparently he had not divulged to the authorities that lions, jackals, hyenas, wild dogs and other animals had died through the use of poisoned meat allegedly placed strategically on his farm. The poison used was car battery acid. Wildlife sources that that “possibly up to five lions had died by using unlawful methods.” There was a similar case in Nokaneng last year when five lions were also killed through the use of what is believed to have been a type of poison similar to Blue Death, which is available in Botswana. The poison had been obtained in Namibia.

The local Wildlife regional office is awaiting a directive from the Attorney-General’s Office as to whether prosecution can proceed.  The directive is required because there is confusion over recent legislation which says lions may not be killed even when found preying on livestock and was amended some months ago to allow farmers to shoot one lion if found to be a killer. There was no mention of any other method of death.

Environmental club to clean Xakanaka

The Association of Environment Clubs Botswana (AECB), an Ngamiland district environmental movement club aiming at coordinating environmental clubs activities in the district’s schools, will soon start cleaning up the grounds of Xakanaka Moremi Game Reserve. Publicity secretary Bernard Mabutho said the club normally involves all its members in such events, but this time things will be different as only club advisers will be participating. 

Mabutho said the club aspires to raise awareness in both the general public and schools about environmental issues. This is attained through different strategies such as an involvement in clean up campaigns and other environment activities such as the upcoming Xakanaka litter picking.

The club consists of students, teachers and members of the public from different schools and parts of Ngamiland.  Affiliation costs P125 for primary schools and P250 for secondary schools and tertiary institutions. Mabutho said the club is open for any member of the public, who also pay an affiliation fee.

Major talks with Chinese on trade

GABORONE – President Festus Mogae has left for Beijing at the head of a major Botswana government and business delegation to attend the Forum on China-Africa Co-Operation. Leaders from 40 countries are due to attend ministerial and summit meetings. The forum was launched in 2000 as a mechanism for collective dialogue and co-operation. Two-way trade between  China and Africa is now said to be worth P240-billion (about US$40-billion). While in China, President Mogae will visit the spectacular Three Gorges Dam, the world’s largest hydro-electric project. He is to make an official visit to Singapore on November 7 and 8.

SPORTS

Makgabisa lose and the coach sees red!

Maun Terrors  captain Pelonte Dimbo receiving the Cosmos Top 8 trophy from the assistant minister of Works and Transport, Frank Ramseden (centre) and Cosmos executive Parvez Malik at Maun Sports Complex  last weekend

The one-time glamour boys of Maun soccer, Maun Terrors, defied all the odds when they lifted the P3 500 cheque and floating trophy by beating Makgabisa 3-2 in the final of the Cosmos Top 8 tournament over the weekend. Terrors, under the guidance of new coach Bushi Basitang, did not disappoint their followers as they produced a robust display to send Makgabisa packing.

Basitang, who has been in charge of the team for just two months, said that he had a game plan and his team was well prepared to win this final.  All was not well for Makgabisa as their coach, Nicky Mokibe, was given a red card and sent off to the stands by referee Jack Casalis in the 54th minute for using foul language.

Makgabisa had to play under the watchful eye of former player and captain Okeditse (Big Tom) Thomas. As if trouble was not over for Makgabisa, another blow struck them when midfielder Kuda Butale was sent off after accumulating two yellow cards, a move that gave Terrors all the advantage to maneuver as they dominated until the final whistle.

Makgabisa were tipped to win the tournament and came into the game well prepared, but they found the going tough as Terrors’ second choice goalkeeper, Matlhare, denied them an early attempt when he tipped over a powerful shot from hardworking midfielder Mumbush Kagiso Moatshe. A few minutes before the halftime whistle, Makgabisa found the back of the net from an own goal by defender Omponye Kebaitse who deflected a shot that completely beat the outstanding young ‘keeper (1-0)

After a pep talk during half time, both sides had a different approach in the second half, Terrors found the equalizer through Ngale Diphateletso after a good move initiated by Colleen Sebako (1-1) and the game seemed to be heading for penalties, but then Makgabisa’s free scoring Dunga Seemeka broke the deadlock when he put his side in the lead in the 65th minute (2-1).

Sensing danger, Terrors made two quick changes with Mpho Tshwaolesele and Seleko Nchinano coming on to replace captain Ronald Sebako and Freddy Motukwa. However, while Makgabisa were still struggling to contain Terrors, the unexpected happened when Butale was sent off.

Terrors took advantage but were unlucky as striker Shakes Dimbo’s goal bound ball struck against the crossbar, while Makgabisa’s Russell Wellio had his well-struck shot went wide by inches.  While Makgabisa were preparing to celebrate yet another win, many where reminded of the Manchester United and Bayern Munich UEFA champions final n which United scored in the last minute of injury time to win the trophy.

Tshwaolesele scored the equaliser in the last seconds of fulltime to take the game to extra time. Terrors scored the winning goal (3-2) in the first half of extra time from a brilliant ball by Diphateletso. The goal came after a few exchanges of beautiful passes, and sent a powerful shot that left goalkeeper Spider Kanyeto stunned. In another game, Maun Tigers finished on third position after beating Sankoyo Bush Bucks 3-2.

The tournament was sponsored to the tune of P17 000 by Cosmos Group. The winners received a cheque of P3 500 and a trophy, runners up P2 500, third prize P1 300 and P800 for 4th spot. All the last four teams each got P400.

The trophy and prices were handed over by Assistant Minister of Transport and Works and MP for Maun East, Frank Ramsden.He urged the local BFA to give players exposure by trying them out against the Zebras as this will help in exposing them to big-time soccer.