By Richmond Mahehe

PITSANE - President Lt General Seretse Khama Ian Khama has assigned ministers Kitso Mokaila, Christian De Graaf and Kgosi Lotlamoreng II of Barolong to resolve problems that exist between commercial farmers and the Pitsane community.
Addressing his first kgotla meeting since assuming office, President Khama said it is unpleasant for commercial farmers and the community to be at loggerheads.
Presenting the community’s grievances, Mr Joseph Moswela said they are ill-treated by the farmers.
He said one commercial farmer  shot and killed his dog and six donkeys.
He described the action as ‘inhumane,’ and said no action has been taken against the farmer.
But Senior Supt Oreneetse Mogapaesi said they are aware of the  incident and that investigations are continuing.
 Ms Agnes Thabeng of Bethele, a settlement six kilometers west of Pitsane, complained about a commercial farmer who often impounds their livestock when they stray into his farm.
On the other hand, one of the commercial farmers, Professor Serara Khupe-Mogwe  told President Khama that residents are destroying their property.
She said they destroy fences and even collect firewood for commercial purposes without asking for permission.
The farmer argued that residents be educated on the sanctity of private property.
President Khama expressed his disappointment about the misuse of guns by some commercial farmers.
He urged the police to cancel the licenses of gun owners who misuse them.
He also said he must be briefed about the outcome of the case between Mr Moswela and the commercial farmer.
In his welcome remarks, Kgosi Lotlamoreng said Pitsane is  surrounded by commercial farms.
He said the fact that the village is close to the South African border makes it prone to stock theft, car racketing and other criminal activities.
He noted that criminals in the area are well-armed and suggested that the police should also be armed.
Kgosi Lotlamoreng said what makes matters worse is that there is no route for the police to use when patrolling the border.
President Khama said the issue of  lack of a patrol route along the border fence is an old one.
He promised to attend to the matter, adding that he would consult with the Attorney-General. BOPA