06 Aug 2017

President  Lt Gen. Dr Seretse Khama Ian Khama was among multitudes of Batswana who thronged the National Stadium on August 5 for the Botswana Police Service's 133rd anniversary celebrations.

Also in attendance were Minister of Defence, Justice and Security, Mr Shaw Kgathi, Commissioner of Botswana Police, Mr Keabetswe Makgophe and former Commissioner, Mr Norman Moleboge.

President Khama, who was enthralled by a mosaic of captivating events by the ostensibly energetic units of the police service, earlier on inspected a Guard on Honour mounted by police officers.

Though the stadium was not filled to capacity as it was the case in the past, the attendance was satisfactory and most probably gave the performing teams a morale boost as all the stands, including the VIP one cheered in appreciation and jubilation.

Catch of the day included the old drill by the then Police Mobile Unit (PMU) as attendants who included Royal Swaziland Police National Commissioner, Mr Isaac Magagula and Commissioner Monalisa Molebugi, Namibia Police Force, were fascinated by the drill as the matching officers inter-changed their formations.

Officers who were wearing khaki shorts which were part of the old police uniform, and knee length socks coupled with brown boots, left the crowd calling for more as they meticulously matched with bayoneted rifles held to the right.

Another classic presentation was the horse display which featured captivating yet fast-paced moves of how the police controlled their horses during patrols and chasing thieves in thickets and narrow passages.

The responsive crowd, which was mainly made of the young blood, was mesmerised by how fairly young female police officers were equally good at riding and controlling their horses just like their male counterpart, something which one of the directors of ceremony senior superintendent, David Rapula attributed to good training on horse riding and application of techniques.   

Police day, which used to be a hit with Gaborone City dwellers and surrounding villages, had been away for the past three years as it was staged in Lobatse because the National Stadium was undergoing maintenance.   

Some of the day’s activities, which kept the audience on their seats among others were parade, calisthenics, tug of war, simulation of crime scene and self defence, silent drill, band display, air display and float which showed the various police units. ENDS