01 Nov 2015

Statistics have shown that criminals become more active during the festive season, says Botswana Police Service Commissioner, Mr Keabetswe Makgophe.

Speaking at the 60 Days of Action on Crime and Road Safety launch, Mr Makgophe said as citizens planned and budgeted on spending quality time with their families during the festive season, criminals on one hand plotted on robbing them of their valuable property.

He said this was done either by the use of force or through fraudulent means with the business community being the most targeted group.

“It is against this backdrop that “60 days of action on crime and road safety was introduced to ensure a much safer and secure festive season,” he said.

The commissioner noted that it was through this campaign that members of the public were reminded or sensitised on the need to enhance their safety and security. 

He appealed to the community to remain vigilant and jointly strategise with a view to enhancing their protection against criminals adding that the police would continue to reinforce community policing as well as implement zero tolerance to crime and traffic offence violation in order to achieve more in terms of performance outputs.

Mr Makgophe advised road users to take personal responsibility for their lives and those of other road users by not drinking and driving, over-speeding, obeying all road markings and signs, wearing reflective clothing whilst walking at night.

He advised truck drivers and those driving at low speed to be considerate to other road users by pulling off the road to allow others to pass freely. 

He further urged truck drivers to avoid following each other at close range to allow others to overtake and maneuver with ease.

The police commissioner stated road safety situation in the country has not been satisfactory as they have experienced an upsurge in road fatalities.

“Whilst last year, we recorded a 2.5 per cent reduction in road accidents which resulted in 8.3 per cent reduction in road fatalities, we have registered a total of 324 deaths as compared to 266 recorded during the same period in 2014,” he said.

Mr Makgophe noted that this was a disturbing trend that requires immediate and rigorous redress as it translated to 21.8 per cent increase.

Meanwhile, the CEO of MVA Fund Mr Cross Kgosidiile said that this year, they expect to receive over 500 claims which will represent an increase of more than 22 per cent.

Mr Kgosidiile said it was sad in that this claims represent loss of lives, injuries, accidents and damage to property that includes the vehicle involved. He said an injury to one person is an injury to all dependents.

He said that partnerships could help reduce these accidents and that the society has to view traffic offences as crime adding that “safety is a personal issue and people should comply in order to save lives.”  Ends