The Minister for State President, Moeti Caesar Mohwasa, has issued a stern warning to Thamaga residents against harbouring illegal immigrants involved in unlawful sand mining. Speaking at the main kgotla today, he said those who accommodate such individuals will face the full force of the law.
The meeting followed a request from Thamaga-Kumakwane Member of Parliament, Palelo Motaosane, for the Minister to personally assess the situation. Before addressing residents, Mr Mohwasa toured areas heavily affected by illegal river sand mining.
He told the community that President Advocate Duma Boko is committed to ensuring all citizens enjoy their rights without disruption. He stressed that the government will not tolerate lawlessness and will act decisively to restore order.
Illegal sand mining has become a pressing problem in Thamaga and surrounding villages, with most of the activity attributed to foreign nationals, many of whom are in the country illegally. Mr Mohwasa said similar challenges exist in Matsiloje, Sepako and the Barolong area, where illegal gold mining and livestock theft were once rampant. Those cases have since decreased following intervention by security forces.
The Minister assured residents that security operations will soon be rolled out in Thamaga to address the crisis. He cautioned locals that those providing shelter to illegal miners, often as tenants, risk arrest and prosecution.
Mr Mohwasa revealed that a technical committee has been formed to evaluate the situation and propose solutions. The Botswana Police Service, Botswana Defence Force and the Directorate of Intelligence and Security will jointly lead enforcement efforts.
The committee will meet residents next week to gather information, after which the Minister will return next month for a follow-up kgotla meeting once recommendations have been finalised.
