Speaking at the debate on the notice of a motion with regards to the ‘Thuntsha Lerole’ Programme held at the North West Legislature on Tuesday, Nono Maloyi said the provincial government engaged with National Intelligence's coordinating committee, including the South African State Security Agency, to address cross-border challenges. He said the borders between Botswana and South Africa are insufficient and have allowed illegal immigrants to cross into the country freely and do as they please.

“These illegal immigrants have now taken over our township economy, almost 99% of our tuck shops are in the hands of these foreigners, and what is painful is some products that are sold in those foreign-owned spaza shops are not approved. They are poisonous, technically they are committing murder and technically they are committing genocide.”

Maloyi called for the immediate arrest and deportation of illegal immigrants. He said government and law enforcement agencies have to work hand in hand to ensure that the stores owned by illegal immigrants are closed down, to give the economy back to its rightful owners.

Opposition parties slammed the provincial government for using 'Thutsha Lerole' as an opportunity to campaign for next year's elections. However, Maloyi said they should not criticise the programme but rather join hands to help grow the economy of the province and put people first.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi