24 Oct 2016

Partnership between the police and communities in fighting crime has been deemed as a critical component of ending crime.
Speaking during District Number 12 Cluster Policing awards dinner in Morwa on October21, director of operations senior assistant commissioner Pilane Sebigi said awards were necessary for empowerment and recognition of those who were trying their best to stop crime.
He said Mochudi Police Station got support from clusters which were active in fighting crime saying as the police they could not do it alone but in collaboration with the community they excelled.
Mr Sebigi who is also leading the Crime Prevention Unit said the theme: Celebrating excellence in policing, in partnership with community, towards a safer nation by 2036, was appropriate as it emphasised their determination to serve the nation and ensure a safe community.
The senior assistant commissioner further said they were aware of the need to engage the community and recognised the role they played in fighting crime.
He told the police to embrace communities they serve and work with them to nurture the spirit of cluster policing and support their clusters.
Mr Sebigi also advised the police to share resources with the clusters even though finance was a challenge.
He further said they should employ inexpensive approaches to fighting crime and embrace new technology adding that they should network with other clusters to identify and address area crime trends.
When giving objectives of the awards ceremony, Mochudi Police station commander Supt Olebile Sitale said they were celebrating achievements attained in cluster policing in Kgatleng as evident during the cluster competition organised by the Botswana Police Service.
He said Mochudi Police Station emerged the best in the country in financial year 2013/14 while for this year, they were the second best.
Supt Sitale said the station also took advantage and engaged the performance management team to award the best performing police officers in an effort to motivate and inspire others.
When giving closing remarks, Divisional Commander South Central senior assistant commissioner Matthews Letsholo thanked cluster members for the commitment they had shown.
Nevertheless he expressed worry over the high stock theft in Kgatleng which he said must be addressed.
Mr Letsholo said on November 1, they will launch the 60 Days of Action Against Crime and Road Accidents and encouraged all to take part.
 The awards included best practice award and community commitment award which both went to Mabodisa, Rasesa, Tshukudu, Phaphane, Boseja North, South and Central, Malotwane, Morwa and Pilane.
Best Station award was given to Mochudi Police Station and police officers awards ranged from best cluster officer, most disciplined, best patrol officer, best in investigation, best statement recorder and most innovative officer.ENDS