03 Aug 2014

President Lt Gen. Seretse Khama Ian Khama awarded individuals of different ranks in the Botswana Police Service (BPS) medals at the Special Support Group (SSG) parade ground on Friday August 1.

The medals were awarded as a way of recognising and thanking deserving members of the BPS for outstanding services and conduct in police duties. The Guard of Honour marched into the parade ground and the police band started proceedings with the national anthem upon the President’s arrival.

The President decorated members of BPS with Long Service and Good Conduct medals for those who served 18 years, Botswana Police Jubilee Service medals were awarded to those who have served at least 25 years in the BPS and have shown by their conduct character that they are worthy of the honour.

Other individuals were awarded the Meritorious Service medal for serving 12 years and having set a high example by their conduct and diligence. Officers who have distinguished themselves by their devotion to duty and served for 30 years received the Distinguished Service Order medals.

The President further awarded the medals for Conspicuous Bravery to members who have, in the course of duty, exhibited conspicuous bravery.

Among dignitaries was Vice President, Dr Ponatshego Kedikilwe, members of the diplomatic corps, Minister of Defence, Justice and Security, Mr Dikgakgamatso Seretse, Commissioner of Botswana Police, Mr Keabetswe Makgophe and other dignitaries, police commissioners from Lesotho and Swaziland, among others. 


The medals were awarded ahead of the Botswana Police Day celebrations in Lobatse, where Segametsi Kebonang 
reports that President Khama joined multitudes at the sports complex, Saturday to celebrate the Botswana Police 130^th anniversary.


The President, who inspected the guard of honour at the celebrations was accompanied by Mr Seretse and Mr Makgophe.


Acting Minister of Education, Mr Mokgweetsi Masisi, Assistant Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Ms Botlogile Tshireletso and other dignitaries also graced the occasion.

Speaking in an interview, Assistant Police Commissioner, Mr Christopher Mbulawa said the Botswana Police Service celebrates its anniversaries as a way to reflect back, observe its achievements and interact with the public.

Mr Mbulawa said the BPS has seen growth since 1966, where there were only 734 men and 42 police stations to about 3 206 in 1989.
Today, he said BPS prides itself in 78 police station, 350 police posts, 16 police districts and 15 branches and four police divisions.

Moreover, Mr Mbulawa said BPS boasts of skilled personnel in cadres such as forensics, cyber crime portfolios and accountants.

He also thanked other institutional sector partners such as the Motor Vehicle Accident Fund for increasing speed traps and Booze Buses fleet and the Department of Road Transport and Safety in their education on road safety for contributing towards the fight against road accidents, something he cited as one of the challenges they are facing.

The 2014 Police Day was celebrated under the theme, Turning Policing Challenges into Opportunities, Towards 2016.  ENDS