07 Dec 2017

Commissioner of Botswana Police Service (BPS) has commended Botswana Alcohol Industry Association (BAIA) for its relentless efforts in partnering with the police in the fight against all forms of crime, especially road accidents.

Mr Keabetswe Makgophe expressed gratitude during the presentation of 200 cases of water to BPS by BAIA, which would be used by officers on patrols and those manning road blocks during the festive season.

He said ‘water is an important component to the body’ and the donation came at the right time when it would be mostly needed as temperatures are on the rise.

Mr Makgophe noted that while other members of the public and the working class would be busy enjoying themselves with relatives and family members during this time, police officers would be on roads to ensure public safety.

Mr Makgophe, who was with his senior deputies, further commended BAIA, with whom he said they had good working relationship.
He said BPS appreciated BAIA efforts, adding that in the past, they donated caravans to police and were also present during the launch of 60 Days of Action Campaign Against Crime and Accidents in Palapye.

On other issues, he appealed to men to partake in the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence and not become perpetrators of violence as statistics currently showed that they led in committing such crimes.

He urged men to protect their female counterparts and not become their persecutors.

Further, Commissioner Makgophe urged members of the public and the business community to invest in home and business security during this time to minimise chances of them falling prey to criminals.

He further warned those in metshelo social clubs to avoid cheating others by claiming that they had been robbed of the money because such reported cases unnecessarily increase crime statistics.

Meanwhile, chairperson of BAIA, Mr Mothusi Molokomme conveyed congratulatory message to BPS on their recent ranking of being in first place in the African continent as stated by World Internal Security and Police Index as rated by the International Police Science Association and institute for Economics and Peace.

Mr Molokomme noted that BAIA was proud, but not surprised as the BPS had demonstrated over the years elements inherent in a disciplined force of dedication, fairness, honesty and integrity in their service delivery despite the challenges they continuously encounter.

He however praised the visionary leadership of Mr Makgophe and his predecessors for this great achievement.

In the meantime, Mr Molokomme said last year they started this journey with BPS of becoming their hydration partner during Christmas and New Year Holidays and pledged that this was not a once-off gesture, but would continue doing so during holidays.

He noted that their partnership with BPS dated back to over a decade and attributed positive interventions to the partnership they had.

He further noted that BAIA continued to maintain major billboards around the country with messages targeted at combating alcohol abuse and dissuading any form of drinking while driving.

In addition, Mr Molokomme said this year his association engaged with various councils at their full council meetings presenting on BAIA’s mandate and various ways they could partner with local authorities in addressing social ills associated with alcohol abuse.

He however noted with sadness that while this had proved effective, he decried the fact that not all alcohol distributors in Botswana were part of the association. BAIA. ENDS