21 May 2014

The Botswana Police Service will deploy more police officers to curb incidents of insecurity during the Africa Youth Games scheduled to start in Gaborone tomorrow (May 22).

Deputy commissioner of police (operations), Mr Bruno Paledi said in an interview that “a greater number of police officers will be deployed this week”. He said the officers will be deployed in critical areas in the 16 competition based centres where all the 21 sporting codes will be played.

These are the Swimming Pool at the University of Botswana, Otse Police College, Gaborone Dam, Gaborone Golf Glub, Molepolole Institute of Health Sciences, BONA Courts, Botswana National Youth Centre (BNYC) and Ditshupo Hall, amongst others.

Though he could not give the exact figure of those who will be deployed, Mr Paledi explained that a greater number of them will positioned looking at the magnitude of the game.

He explained that the police department had been holding meetings with various units of the department to strategise means of providing security during the games.

He said police officers will be on full force throughout the 10 days period of the historic event adding that event like this attracted a huge number of criminals even from abroad.

Mr Paledi warned thieves and drug users that the police will be on the lookout for them should they take chances as police work is a calling one.

Over 2 500 athletes and delegates from 53 African countries have already started descending in the country for the historic event. Ends