07 Aug 2017

Botswana Police Service (BPS) Commissioner, Mr Keabetswe Makgophe has admitted that policing is not without challenges, which needs to be addressed to ensure a safe and secure nation at all times.

Speaking at a reception to mark the Police Day 133rd celebrations at SSG Hall on August 5, Mr Makgophe noted that the tackling of violent and serious crimes such as break-ins, robbery, murder, rape, threat to kill, stock theft and theft of motor vehicles remain a priority in their efforts to ensuring Batswana continue to enjoy peace and security.

He however, noted that their efforts in this regard were paying dividends as demonstrated by overall reduction in these crimes, including improved detection/arrests over the years.

In the meantime, Mr Makgophe said they would continue to engage and collaborate closely with other law enforcement agencies at local, regional and international levels, in tackling emerging crime trends including cross border and transnational organised crimes such as poaching, drug trafficking, human trafficking and cybercrime.

On other issues, the police chief said the loss of life on roads was a worrying issue, therefore had intensified public education and enforcement efforts targeting bad driver attitude, drink driving and speeding, with a view to making roads much safer to use and thus save lives.

He nevertheless noted that BPS would not achieve much in the delivery of its mandate without the support it continued to receive from various sectors of the economy.

He therefore appreciated and thanked them for providing this invaluable support.

These include among others; government for availing the necessary resources for effective policing; the community for partnering with the police in the fight against crime (community policing); other criminal justice agencies (administration of justice, Directorate of Public Prosecutions, Prisons) for ensuring the delivery of quality justice; other government departments for collaborating on issues of public security in general and the private sector for their various contribution and participation in the fight against crime.

Meanwhile, Mr Makgophe said the main purpose of hosting Police Day was to celebrate law enforcement successes and achievements realised over the years.

He said as part of the celebrations, officers were recognised for good conduct, dedication to work and outstanding service, through the award of medals.

The celebrations also accord the police to the opportunity to come together to show case law enforcement developments and capabilities as well as reinforce police/community partnership in the fight against crime.

He said this way members of the public got to appreciate and understand policing services better.

That year, President Lt Gen Seretse Dr Seretse Khama Ian Khama bestowed 395 police officers with different police medals.

He said the BPS highly appreciated and valued the award of the medals which were unique to their challenging, but exciting work.

He therefore thanked those already decorated with police medals and those yet to receive medals for maintaining the highest levels of disciple, professionalism, Botho and resilience in performance of their daily duties. ENDS