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07 Sep 2009 12:18
Edition 475 4 - 11 September, 2009
Tradition dies hard .Women, all immaculately dressed in colourful dresses and Di Tjale (shawls) returning home after they had taken a bride to her in-laws at a wedding in Thito in Maun on Saturday. This practice is only common in the North West region and highly respected as part of tribal culture. Only women take part in this activity known as Popeletso . Traditionally this marks the official handover of the bride to the groom and her in-laws. When taking the bride to her in-laws, the women walk very slowly and this according to elders is to teach the bride to always do things slowly when she gets to her in-laws without rushing them as this might lead to mistakes. It also shows she must be cool and collected in whatever she does. Picture: Bright Kholi
Four dangerous prisoners escape
By Staff Reporter
Four dangerous prisoners staged a daring early Sunday morning escape from Maun prison. They are still on the loose.
The department of Prisons is asking the public to assist with information leading to the arrest of the four remand prisoners.
It is thought the four three of whom were alleged to have been in possession of arms and a substantial amount of money dug up at a house in Boseja recently - climbed over the newly-erected spike fence surrounding the prison.
All four are Zimbabweans - Sipho Siziba, 39, who was in custody for robbery and lived in Boseja ward, Maun, Loyoit Kare Choto, 29, of Harare and also living in Boseja, who was remanded for robbery and has a scar on his left leg and Themba Dube (also known as Tshepo Salang), 25, who has a tattoo on both hands and is described as having a coffee colour face. He was living in Riverside , Maun and previously in Tonota.
The fourth escapee is George Themba Bhebe, 31, who was in custody for robbery. He also has a tattoo in both hands.
Bhebe, Choto and Siziba were charged for allegedly robbing businessman Muhammad Farhan's house at Botshabelo ward, stealing cash, cellphones and a laptop.
It has been revealed that they were armed with a pistol and other dangerous weapons and used violence.
Bhebe has a criminal record dating back to 2005. He was charged with Metlha Golden Tooth Maphanyane and Phaa Ndiweni for robbing Maun's Open Door bureau d'Change and was found guilty while the others were discharged.
Bhebe was later discharged and acquitted at Francistown High Court last year.
Bhebe was attacked by a mob while walking on a Maun street on August 17 last year as he was said to have been involved in a robbery at a local bar. He was then taken to hospital where he complained of a stomach ailment, was escorted by a police officer to a toilet and escaped naked through the toilet's window.
All the four escapees are still at large.
PLEASE DON'T KILL ME'
By Staff Reporters
A young boy pleaded for his life after a jealous boyfriend stabbed his sister in their home last weekend in a passion killing attempt that has shocked the community.
The boyfriend then committed suicide by hanging himself, thinking he had killed the girl who, however, is now recovering from her injuries. In an incident one would only see on TV, the Boseja man arrived at his girlfriend's house because he thought she was having an affair with another man.
The horror passion killing was apparently triggered by a man who had told him there was a car parked at his girlfriend's house whenever he was not visiting. After hearing this, it is alleged that the boyfriend threatened to kill the girl about a week ago, after which she feared for her life and asked to stay with neighbours and relatives. An eyewitness told The Ngami Times that on the fateful night, the girl decided to sleep in her mother's house. Her young brother, who is in standard 7, was also in the same house. At about 9pm, the man came to the house, broke the window and entered the premises. He then started attacking the girlfriend and stabbing her with a knife several times as she tried to fight him off. She managed to escape the terror by climbing through the broken window. The jealous lover then threatened to kill his girlfriend's younger brother who begged him not to do so. He had also helped in trying to save his sister. When he realised that his girlfriend had called for help, it is alleged that the man then got out of the house through the main door, rushed to his girlfriend's house and used a rope from fishing net to hang himself. The witness said it would appear the deceased had been watching the movements of his girlfriend the entire evening until he saw an opportunity to attack. It is also believed that he had planned the whole thing as even the knife he used was new.
The incident was confirmed by Maun Police CID Officer in Charge, Assistant Superintendent Alakanani Raymond David. He said the woman is still recovering at Letsholathebe II Memorial Hospital.
According to the police, the man had stabbed the girl in the stomach.
Desert triple murder: Suspect arrested
A man suspected of having shot and killed three people whose bodies were found last week near Xabacha cattle post in the Okavango sub district has been arrested. The 33 year old Mungunda Mushongu, of Xhabacha cattle post, appeared on Monday in the Maun magistrate's court charged with three counts of murder and one count of robbery.
According to the charge sheet, Mushongu murdered Mozulu Jackson, Kathiko Jackson and Kebonyekgosi Kayupura on or about April 28 this year at or near Chukumuchu village in the North West District.
He is said to have robbed Kathiko and Mozulu Jackson of two Nokia cellphones and P1 000 and before robbing them used violence on the victims in order obtain the property.
In an interview with The Ngami Times this week, Assistant Superintendent Ndiko Size Malibala of Shakawe Police said the suspect was arrested last Friday with the help of the community. According to Malibala, the suspect was arrested at Matlamaere cattle post between Tsodilo Hills and Kgomokgwana quarantine area. Malibala said following the discovery of the three bodies, all of which appeared to have been shot, residents started providing information which led to effective arrest of the suspect.
The Ngami Times is reliably informed that Mushongu was like family to the three people he murdered as his girlfriend was Kathiko Jackson's sister. This is said to have given the accused the knowledge of what the couple were doing as he was aware that on the day they died they were going to Chukumuchu.
Matters are said to have been worsened by the fact that the couple had sold 12 head of cattle during the Foot and Mouth Disease outbreak. Hoping to find the money from the sale on them, the accused is said to have followed them though under the guise that he was going somewhere else.
The couple is said to have used the money to buy a borehole engine and only had P1 000 on them which they were to use to buy pipes for the borehole. The accused has been remanded in custody.
Foreign troops to transit Botswana on exercises
The armies of two African countries are to pass through Botswana from the weekend on their way to multinational exercises in South Africa .
The SADC Brigade training exercise, codenamed Golfinho or Dolphin Phase II, is to take place from September 9 to 26 at South Africa 's Lohatlha combat training centre in the north-west province. Botswana military will also be involved in the exercise which is designed to prepare SADC troops for multi-dimensional peace support operations in line with the African Union's standby force decision.
The exercise will deploy a force comprising military, police, prisons, correctional services and civilian personnel from all the SADC states except for Seychelles .
Botswana is sending a battalion including personnel from the police, prisons and civilians. An advance Botswana team of Special Forces arrived at the centre on August 23.
The contingent from the Tanzania People's Defence Force and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) defence force consisting of military, police and civilians will pass through Botswana between September 6 and 8. They are scheduled to enter the country at the Ramokgwebana border and go out at the Ramatlabama gate.
The same contingents will return to their respective countries using the same route between September 26 and 30.
Huge success of the solar-powered boat
The solar-powered trans-Okavango voyage in a solar powered sloop has been completed in less than 10 days without a hitch.
Mark Rodwell and Mark Nordin, of Alternative Power Systems Africa (APSA), had long been convinced of the value of solar power but their problem was how to prove it. The project took a year to plan.
The flat bottomed aluminium boats that ply the Delta are perfect for travel in this vast wetland but fuel is a huge issue -. Fossil fuels are costly and not sustainable but the sun is always there, says Rodwell.
After much technical planning they launched their boat, Solar Sloop, in the northern panhandle at the peak of the flood waters coming into the Delta. The boat was specially designed to hold panels on the roof to catch as much sun as possible while providing shade for the sailors.
While fossil fuel powered boats roared past, Solar Sloop sailed serenely and quietly down the Delta.
There were sceptics galore watch out for Jao Flats, you'll never get through. Watch out for the hippos they are very aggressive were some of the messages - but Solar Sloop defied them all and cruised into Maun nine nights and 440km later having completed a faultless maiden voyage.
In fact, the hippos they saw just popped their heads up to have a look as the boat slipped silently past.
The hippos heard us coming but had time to move away so we were never a threat to them,' the sailors explained. The fossil fuel boats are noisy and fast and surprise the hippos which probably makes them more aggressive.'
Basking crocs and African Skimmers rested on white sandbanks and seemed to accept us as part of the scene rather than intruders, said Riaan van Zyl, one of the sailors. Maybe we came across as some sort of rather weird silver hippo or elephant but we were certainly not a threat.
Not only is solar power practical and appropriate for a unique wildlife environment like this, but it also has other benefits. It makes lodge life and game viewing much more pleasant as one can listen to the sounds of the African bush and cruise quietly in the channels.
Tourists around the world are demanding responsible tourism and what better way than using solar power, say the developers - solar is carbon neutral so for those who are worried about their carbon footprint, the sun is a perfect way of reducing it. It can be used to run not only boats but to run entire camps in the Delta. And what a pleasure not to have a generator pounding in the background while you sip your gin and tonic around the campfire.
Consumer Fair a huge success
By Molefi Manyepedza
- The 2009 Botswana Consumer Fair which ended last week was bigger and better compared to previous years.
More improvement was done with all stalls placed in paved areas while eating facilities were on one side to facilitate hygiene.
Local mobile telephone operators Orange , Be-mobile and Mascom were among stalls that provided visitors with entertainment.
There were five aside football matches that included teams such as Township Rollers and BDF XI, live entertainment by Botswana artists, competitions, and Yarona FM radio station partnered with exhibitors to advertise their products live on air and pay for the service. Fairs and Exhibitors manager of Fairground Holdings, Frieda Bamu, said there were 25 categories for exhibitors, including government departments, leather and handicraft, service providers and information technology, diplomatic missions and national stands, traders and furniture.
She said there were over 400 stalls booked including exhibitors from Ghana , Iran , Swaziland , Lesotho , Japan , Kenya and South Africa .
Foreign exhibitors constituted 20% of this year's event.
The founding premise of the fair has always been to offer opportunities to consumers to come into direct contact with wholesalers, retailers and service providers Bamu added.
Prison break-out a cause for worry
The escape of four dangerous prisoners from the high-security Maun Prison this week is a discredit to the prisons service.
The four including three Zimbabweans who had been found with a cache of rifles buried next to their rented house in Boseja and a large amount of money buried in a nearby rubbish tip have as we go to print not been re-arrested, and probably never will be as they may in all probability have disappeared into Zimbabwe.
The fourth prisoner is one who is familiar to our readers. George Bhebe, another Zimbabwean, was one of the people involved in the Open Door Bureau d'Change robbery some years ago.
The prison in question has a double row of high barbed wire around all four sides. A dog run is between the two fences, which are also well-lit, and there is only one formal entry point.
This can only mean that by some means still to be determined, the four broke out under the noses of their warders. The suspicion lingers that until otherwise proved, it would appear there may have been other people involved in the incident which took place at 3.20am on Monday.
We urge the prisons service to redouble their efforts to prevent similar escapes in the future. In the present circumstances, such exhortations don't do the public at large any favours as innocent people are now having to take precautions in case of further criminal activity from these four if they are still in the Maun area.
All this talk about water, water everywhere is more serious than previously thought
People have been astonished to discover just how much water has been coming down the Okavango River from the eastern highlands of Angola this year. It is not that we have had a tsunami racing down but a gentle spreading out of water over a huge area of northern Botswana .
Lake Ngami is full, rivers serving it are in flood, the Boronyane river has water coursing through it for the first time in 20 years, the Selinda Spillway has joined up with the Okavango, and incidentally for the first time in a quarter of a century linked the Okavango delta/swamp to the Indian Ocean via the Chobe and Zambezi rivers.
Now Shuffle can report that for the first time in at least 40 years the Shashe River here in Maun has started to flow as well, reaching and going through the Shashe bridge on the road to Sehitwa. It is only a matter of time before the Shashe reaches the Thamalakane River .
What this all means is that many parts of Maun are islands because of the large number of rivers and streams in our area.
This used to be the case before a seismic incident, as it is called, resulted in many of our rivers drying up back in the mid-1980s.
It will be recalled that northern Botswana had two seismic incidents in the past year one in the Toteng region and the other in the Linyati area (which was felt in Maun on Good Friday this year).
Perhaps it is as a result of those events that the water has spread so widely. Only hydrologists will be able to confirm whether this was indeed the case.
There are magical shoes out there and the land of happy endings is without a princess. Will one of our female readers be the one to wear them and walk away as the newly- crowned princess? MNet's Face of Africa competition is searching for the loveliest face in the land.
This is the last chance to enter and walk away with US$50 000 (about P400 000) cash and a modelling contract with O Model Africa.
If you're between 18 and 24, are at least 1.72 metres tall and don't yet have a modelling contract, then call in at the open auditions at Multichoice Botswana, Riverwalk Mall, in Gaborone from 9am on September 14.
When the 911 Neighbourhood Watch radio bursts into action at 3am, one knows there is something amiss.
It means that the crooks of this world are out and about while the rest of the peace-loving people of our town are sleeping.
The police and 911 have continually called on the public to ensure they are safe and sound, day or night, but there is always someone who has not heeded the advice.
Several incidents in recent days highlight the problem, so once again Shuffle is joining the police and 911 in urging the public to be vigilant because the criminals, armed and dangerous, are after your property. Stop them on their tracks!
Something to chuckle over . . .
The Silent Treatment
A man and his wife were having some problems at home and were giving each other the silent treatment. Suddenly, the man realised that the next day he would need his wife to wake him at 5:00 AM for an early morning business flight.
Not wanting to be the first to break the silence (and LOSE), he wrote on a piece of paper,
Please wake me at 5:00 AM He left it where he knew she would find it. The next morning, the man woke up, only to discover it was 9:00 AM and he had missed his flight. Furious, he was about to go and see why his wife hadn't wakened him, when he noticed a piece of paper by the bed.
The paper said, It is 5:00 AM. Wake up.'
Men are not equipped for these kinds of contests.
Mmeseng Tlale, with 3 of his grandchildren, picture in front of his house in Manxotai.
Still remember him? ......Those who read The Ngami Times will remember this old man from Manxotae - Mmiseng Tlale - whom we helped to get groceries, clothes and a one roomed house courtesy of A to Z wholesalers, Maun branch, in 2007.
Over the weekend, News Editor Bright Kholi was in Nata and drove to remote Manxotae to find out how an old friend was doing.
The 93-year-old is still as strong as ever and was more than happy that Kholi had checked up on him. Tlale says he now gets a monthly food ration from the local council and also an old age pension.
Tlale also tells of how the house has helped him escape the cold and rains over the past two years. Sadly, some youngsters - some of whom are what he calls his wayward grand- children - helped themselves to some of his clothes which were donated by different business houses and individuals people in Maun.
What the old man needs right now is a toilet and a fence around his house. Old as he is, whenever he needs to go to the toilet he is forced to walk a long distance. An appeal is again being made to those who can, to help in the fencing of his yard and erecting a toilet in his yard. Any old clothes will also be appreciated and will be handed over to Tlale.
You can always contact us if you want to help. Call The Ngami Times @ 686 4807 or email: tnt@info.bw or call Bright on 71820939
Youth urged to take responsibility
Batswana youth have been called upon to be accountable and take responsibility of their own lives if at all they want to succeed.
They have also been urged to participate in youth programmes which will benefit them and help them sustain their livelihoods as well as that of their families.
This was said by Debswana diamond company's Boyce Sebetlela who was guest speaker at the annual general meeting of the Botswana National Youth Council over the weekend.
Sebetlela said the fact that BNYC is fully fledged and well represented by able bodied people is enough testimony that it can stand on its own and represent the youth if the need arises.
He said the BNYC should strive to work co-operatively with the government and assist with ideas and suggestions where possible so as to show the state the need to introduce youth-friendly policies which will be easily understood and be accessible.
He also hailed Batswana youth whom he said have been recognised the world over such as Mpule Kwelagobe, Kaone, Kario and Amantle Montsho.
Out-going board chairman Ellias Rantleru said although he had no intentions of standing for election, he was more than willing to continue working and giving advice to the BNYC and Batswana youth.
I believe I have done my best during my tenure in office and I also believe there are capable leaders who can succeed me and do the job exceptionally well.
You should also remember that we have had ups and downs which I believe were a result of things which were not properly understood. Remember, some people and the media once labelled some of us as illiterate.
This should not hold you back. Instead take them as constructive criticism that should help mould you into better people.
Chomi Letlole was elected as the new board chairman with Simon Moabi as vice-chairman. Charles Mabjeng was voted into the post of Secretary General and Andy Boatle as treasurer.
Unity Isaac, Taylor Mononyane and Grace Setofane are additional board members
Botswana takes part in military programme
A Botswana delegation of 10 comprising military, government and non-governmental organisations, academic and medical personnel has recently attended a three-day State Partnership Programme (SPP) workshop in North Carolina , United States .
The delegation was led by the commander of the Botswana Defence Force, Lieutenant-general Tebogo Masire.
Botswana is the North Carolina National Guard's latest partner in the Us Department of Defence's SPP which is designed to exchange best practices in various fields from emergency management, military experiences, to medical and infrastructure projects.
Councillors cry foul as drought projects lag behind
Councillors cry foul as drought projects lag behind
By Basadi Morokotso
North West District councillors are dissatisfied with the manner at which some Drought Relief projects in the district were awarded because some if not all are not what they had proposed for their respective areas.
This was after they were read a statement from the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Local Government, Thato Raphaka, that when coming up with the ceiling being reached for Drought Relief programmes, factors which were considered were population and the development status of the constituencies.
The funds were also allocated on a constituency basis as directed by Presidential Directive CAB 24(A) of 2009.
Ngamiland and Okavango constituencies were each allocated money totalling close to P4-million each while Maun West and Maun East each received P 3 958 926.16 and P3 816 549.95 respectively.
Councillors were told that project implementation will start with the maintenance of projects for the months of August to November 2009 and continue with bush clearing and grass cutting from f January to March 2010.
The programme is scheduled to be halted in November to December so as to allow beneficiaries to undertake ploughing activities.
The ministry has also taken a decision to assist households which were affected by recent floods through the labour intensive public works and costing P4-million from the National Disaster Relief Fund.
Councillor Samson Mauano, at a special Council meeting, raised concerns about late payments for those who have been engaged to work on various projects, saying this is just too discouraging and has on many occasions led to people dragging their feet and not finishing projects in time, while they also fear that if they complete works before the scheduled time, they might not get further payments.
Commenting on the same issue was Matlapana councillor Tapoloso Mosika who said he was a little relieved to hear that there will be de-bushing of Ditshiping road, construction of a bridge as well as maintenance works at Matlapana primary school, which had had to be stopped because of insufficient funds.
It was important too for the building of an office and toilet at Sexaxa Kgotla as well as the maintenance of the shelter at Matlapana Kgotla which is dilapidated. He also suggested they be given ample time to further look at the projects they have been allocated so that they give preference to those that they need as a matter of urgency. Councillor Phillip Wright said he was surprised by the confusing allocation criteria because it is evident the relevant authorities did not seriously look into it. As councillors, Wright said they had met earlier with their respective Village Development Committees and other community leaders to discuss and prioritise projects they would need, only to be given the unexpected result.
He said it would be wise for authorities to inform them well in time whenever there are budget cuts so that they (councillors) could give their input.
Regional programme coordinator (Ipelegeng) Daniel Katjinotjwa told councillors that they should feel at liberty to come to his office in person so that they can make amendments wherever possible. He promised that his office will in the future undertake proper consultations so as to avoid further confusion.
Kazungula bridge talks going well
GABORONE - Works and Transport minister Johnnie Swartz says the Kazungula Bridge over the Zambezi River has progressed well despite previous setbacks.
Describing it as a noble project, the bridge is intended to construct a southern Africa that is economically integrated and prosperous. Swartz added at a meeting with a Namibian delegation that is the only way in which our region can be globally competitive, create jobs and improve the living standards of its people.
We are therefore not only brothers and sisters, friends and neighbours, but are also strategic partners in development. We are together involved in fighting poverty,
unemployment and disease.
Namibia has indicated an interest in exploring the possibility of linking Impalila Island in the Zambezi to the Kazungula Bridge .
Intruders enter couple's bedroom
A Maun man and his wife had a frightening experience recently when they awoke to find two intruders in their bedroom. The men, carrying a knife and an iron bar, demanded money and the keys to a car. They grabbed the couple's 911 Neighbourhood Watch radio and P7 000 in cash before running off. They did not find the car keys. Police were alerted but the footprints of the two disappeared on the river bank.
V-P spells out successes and challenges
LETLHAKANE Vice-President Mompati Merafhe says that the Vision 2016 awareness month's theme of Turning challenges into opportunities: the journey continues encourages the nation to stay the course, however harsh the terrain.
Speaking at the launch here, he said the important thing about this launch is that it gives us an opportunity to remind ourselves of what we have achieved and what we have yet to achieve. Most importantly, it alerts us to the fact that the year 2016 is almost upon us.
With only seven years left before we celebrate our golden jubilee, we should always be mindful of the truism that time and tide wait for no man, he said.
Vision 2016 rests on seven pillars which define aspirations as a nation. The record clearly shows that while there are still challenges to be tackled (but) we have, on the whole, made what can be characterised as good progress.
Under the pillar of Building an Educated and Informed Nation, there has been an enrolment of 86% of students in primary schools and access to print and electronic media has also gone up significantly. About 85% of Batswana are able to tune into Radio Botswana (RB1) while 40% have access to Botswana Television.
Female participation in the national workforce has risen to 45%, with more women occupying senior positions, especially in the public sector. The informal sector has also grown substantially.
The agricultural sector, which has not been doing too well, is being restored to its rightful place in the national economy.
We already have concrete evidence that recent efforts by the government to resuscitate this sector through the Integrated Support Programme for Arable Agriculture Development (ISPAAD) will bear fruit. The Letlhakeng sub-district is itself a good example of how effective ISPAAD has been, he said. Merafhe said our commitment to building an open, democratic and accountable nation has never wavered. Tolerance and respect for differing opinions is still part of our culture and has helped Botswana remain politically stable.
Botswana is also ranked No 1 in terms of control of corruption in Africa and No 38 internationally. Botswana is also ranked highly both regionally and internationally due to our sustained commitment to practice freedom of association, free media, government respecting the rights of citizens to take part in the affairs of the state, and general respect for human rights.
Merafhe listed challenges to be tackled as a 100% enrolment in primary schools and 100% literacy rate.
Democrats urged to vote for Tawana
By Basadi Morokotso
Botswana Democratic Party supporters in the Maun West constituency have been urged to vote for Kgosi Tawana Moremi in large numbers that would suit his status.
This was said over the weekend by Francistown South parliamentary candidate Wynter Mmolotsi who also said that should any one not vote for the ruling party they would not be doing justice for themselves as they will be throwing their votes into the mud, something which they will in the long run live to regret.
He said people should refrain from voting for opposition parties such as the Botswana Congress Party and Botswana National Front because they, he claimed, had misled people in the past and failed to deliver to expectations.
These people have long lost direction so it would be useless if you were to vote them into power. They have also run short of the very ideas that they steal from us, they run their parties like stokvels and have had a slip of mind, so how do you expect to be lead by people like that? he said.
Mmolotsi claimed the BDP had a clean track record in developing the country and empowering Batswana as a whole as well as maintaining peace and tranquillity that Botswana is well known for even globally as well as striving to make the country corruption. He admitted there were usually setbacks here and there.
He said people in opposition parties have developed a habit of opposing everything even those that they know are straight forward and have benefited and sustained them and their families, citing youth development projects which the opposition usually criticised even though these have also embraced as welcome developments.
Speaking at the same rally was Moshupa parliamentary candidate Mokgweetsi Masisi who said he has no doubt that Tawana will make it to parliament as it is evident that he has no opposition in the constituency.
He described the recent situation over party secretary-general Gomolemo Motswaledi as an in house matter that the BDP will tackle without hassles and therefore people should not use it as an excuse for not voting for BDP candidates.
Tawana Moremi told the rally he is confident of a win and as a result had nothing more to say, let alone worry about.
He called on fellow democrats to stand their ground and do what's best for them by voting him and Maun West council candidates into power if what they want is to move forward.
Maun woman in top ranks of fraud examiners
Austin , TX (4/08/2009)- The Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE), the world's leading provider of anti-fraud training and education, is pleased to award Noeline Ndaba, of Maun , Botswana , the globally-preferred Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) credential. In order to become a CFE, an anti-fraud professional must meet a stringent set of criteria and pass a rigorous exam administered by the ACFE.
Ndaba has successfully met the ACFE's character, experience, and education requirements for the CFE credential, and has demonstrated knowledge in four areas critical to the fight against fraud: Fraudulent Financial Transactions, Criminology & Ethics, Legal Elements of Fraud and Fraud Investigation.
Ndaba joins the ranks of over 23,000 business and government professionals worldwide who have also earned the CFE certification. Ndaba is currently Managing Director for Ausi Holdings in Maun Botswana . CFEs have the ability to: Examine data and records to detect and trace fraudulent transactions; interview suspects to obtain information and confessions; write investigation reports, advise clients as to their findings and testify at trial; be well-versed in the law as it relates to fraud and fraud investigations; and understand the underlying factors that motivate individuals to commit fraud. Certified Fraud Examiners (CFE's) on six continents have investigated more than 1 million suspected cases of civil and criminal fraud.
About the ACFE
The ACFE, the world's premier provider of training and education for fraud detection and deterrence, has nearly 50,000 members, sponsors more than 125 chapters worldwide and provides anti-fraud educational materials to over 100 universities. Identified as the premier financial sleuthing organization by The Wall Street Journal , the ACFE has captured national and international media attention. For more information about the ACFE visit www.ACFE.com .
Postponement a blessing for top league sides
Sports Correspondent
GABORONE - The postponement of the start of the Be Mobile Premier football league has afforded teams to get their preseason preparations on track for the grueling season that lies ahead.
At present clubs are busy getting their teams to peak physical fitness and also working around the clock to beat the transfer deadline and bolster their squads by signing new players.
The current champions, Gaborone United, buoyed by a hefty prize of P1-million won in last season's league season, have led the race in securing Tumisang Sekanonyane from BMC as well as Botlhe Rankgomo from relegated Tlokweng Naughty Boys.
The Reds are also on the verge of signing Mandla Spikiri' Mgadla from Mogoditshane Fighters. The youngster was rumoured to be on his way to Notwane but it seems the fact that his father Reuben Mgadla once played for GU swung the pendulum.
After losing two highly-influential players in the mould of Noah Maposa and Pontsho Moloi, who have joined Bay United in South Africa 's Mvela league - a second tier league there - it would be interesting to see how Mochudi Centre Chiefs will respond. Known for their furious transfer market activity, Chiefs is expected to launch a bid for some of the more revered players in local football. However, a failure to retain the league title and the Coca Cola Cup might impede its spending this season.
Young Jackie Pele' Mothatego who spent an almost-anonymous season at Notwane, has also crossed over to join Police XI and his replacement looks to be Kgaodi Deco' Odirile from Naughty Boys.
In the previous season Kutlo Tsotsi' Sejeso struggled at left back and two former Notwane leftbacks, Oabile Tlhajwane and Boniface Makolo, have been practising with Toronto with the hope of landing a contract. A Zimbabwean defender is also currently on trials at Toronto to bolster a defence that has leaked goals like a sieve.
Township Rollers have signed former Gaborone United striker Thandwa Moreki, a player in the twilight of his career.
Rollers' problems at the back have been their Achilles heel and they are chasing the signature of Pius Kolagano.
In what should go down as the biggest transfer coup, national team left back Mosimanegape Twizer' Ramohibidu has been signed by BDF XI from BMC to fortify the army defence. ECCO City Greens are hot on the heels of Boteti Young Fighters' marksman Patrick Lenyeletse and Uniao Flamengo Santos' Boitshoko Zikhale though the latter's team deny it. Chiefs has been trying to lure two of their stars, Mandla Sukunyetsa' Sibanda and Bonolo Frazer to their camp and the attempt to sign the duo is seen as preparation for such an eventuality.
V-P launches Botswana Games
GABORONE Vice President Mompati Merafhe launched the second Botswana Games here on Wednesday.
He said the committee is up for a mammoth task of raising funds to assist the Botswana National Sports Council and that the adverse impact of the global financial crisis has contributed to the downfall of the private sector but was hopeful that given support the committee would stage successful Games.
He commended the BNSC for initiating what he termed a humble concept that would enhance Botswana 's chances of success in future international competitions. The University of Botswana is hosting the Games which feature over 4 000 athletes while 16 administrative districts are participating in a total of 13 sporting codes.
The first Botswana Games were staged in 2007 with over 2 500 athletes.
Thousands apply for World Cup jobs
As the World Cup will be staged in Africa for the first time, nearly 68 000 people have applied to become volunteers for the 2010 tournament in South Africa .
The number is said to be more than four times that needed by the organisers.
The programme has certainly proved to be hugely popular, and we are honoured by the incredible response we have received from around the world, Danny Jordaan, head of the local organising committee, said in a statement.
Fans from 170 countries applied, mostly from South Africa but also with Nigeria , the United States , Brazil and Zimbabwe posting the largest number of hopefuls.
The applications will now be interviewed to decide on who receives the 15 000 posts
Keabetswe off to the US
Nhabe BOPSSA regional organiser Selebatso Keabetswe will be jetting off to New Jersey , United States , soon to attend a one month football coaching course.
Keabetswe, a teacher at Andrew Wellio School in Maun, has been seconded to Botswana Predator Conversation Trust (BPCT), which is managed under the Coaching for Conservation programme for a year.
He started working with the programme in May 2009, and has been part of their programmes which are mainly based in primary schools.
As part of their commitment to work with the Department of Primary and Education, Coaching for Conservation director Lesley Boggs and Ashley Hammond, of Ashley's Soccer Camp, have decide to send Keabetswe to the US.
The training Keabetswe will attend is very important in upgrading his coaching skills and sharing his experience with the children and other school teachers.
Speaking before he left for Gaborone on Thursday, Keabetswe told Times Sports that it is really a break-through in my coaching career. It is something that I never dreamt of, but with the passion I have for sports, I take it to be a reward. I therefore to thank Lesley Boggs, Ashley Hammond and Education officials for offering me this opportunity.
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