A naming dispute between Marapong and Semitwe over a new police station has reached ministerial level after mediation efforts failed.
BONGANI MALUNGA
The Ministry for State President, Defence and Security has been called in to resolve a simmering dispute between the communities of Marapong and Semitwe over the official name of a new police station constructed between the two villages.
The disagreement threatens to delay the formal opening of the facility, which is nearing completion, and could further postpone residents’ access to much needed policing services.
MINISTERIAL INTERVENTION
The matter has escalated to ministerial level after efforts to find common ground reportedly reached a deadlock. Last Friday, Minister Moeti Mohwasa met delegations from both villages, who each presented their cases in a bid to secure naming rights for the station.
The dispute centres on whether the facility should be named after Marapong village or adopt a neutral name proposed by the Semitwe community.
MEDIATION FAILED
The issue was referred to the Ministry for State President, Defence and Security after attempts by the Ngwato Land Board to mediate proved unsuccessful due to complexities surrounding land ownership and territorial rights in the area.
Representatives from Marapong argued that the project had always been presented as a Marapong development from its inception. They maintained that during the groundbreaking ceremony, community leaders were led to believe that the police station would ultimately bear the village’s name.
MARAPONG CLAIM
According to the delegation, the chief of Marapong, Kgosi Bakani Mampori, was officially invited to the groundbreaking ceremony and was informed that the facility would be identified as the Marapong Police Station.
However, Semitwe leaders strongly challenged that position. Leading the Semitwe delegation, Kgosi Edward Joseph argued that the community has a legitimate claim because the police station is located within Semitwe and because local stakeholders were signatories to land board documents related to the project.
SEMITWE POSITION
“Our main issue is that this police station is situated in Semitwe and we signed land board documents, therefore this facility cannot be named Marapong Police Station when it is in our village,” the Semitwe chief asserted.
With both sides firmly defending their positions, Mohwasa said government had taken note of all submissions and would deliberate on the matter before communicating its decision.
The minister indicated that feedback would be provided on June 8 and revealed that he would return to the area next week to bring the long running dispute to a conclusion.