05 Aug 2018

President Mokgweetsi Masisi has urged Batswana to get involved in rooting out gender- based crimes.

In an emotional statement during the Botswana Police Service (BPS)’s 134th anniversary celebrations on Saturday at the National Stadium, President Masisi said Batswana had to unite and become part of the solution to end violence against “hapless young women.”
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In an emotional statement during the Botswana Police Service (BPS)’s 134th anniversary celebrations on Saturday at the National Stadium, President Masisi said Batswana had to unite and become part of the solution to end violence against “hapless young women.”

The previous day, President Masisi and First Lady, Ms Neo Masisi had visited the Kerekang family in Gaborone to offer their condolences after their daughter, Elizabeth Kerekang was decapitated and her body dumped in Tlokweng.

President Masisi said the police were doing “a great job” in averting crime but needed the assistance of Batswana.

He said the state was grossly against grisly murder incidents and the law was to take its course.

President Masisi said those responsible for perpetrating heinous crimes were to face the full wrath of the law.
Simon Kgowe, the 38 year-old man alleged to have murdered Kerekang has been remanded in custody pending completion of investigations into the matter.

He was arraigned before Extension 2 Magistrate Court on Friday while the deceased was laid to rest on Saturday.

Meanwhile, the BPS celebrated their 134 years of existence with pomp and ululation.

The activities were graced by President Masisi who attended the event for the first time as commander-in-chief.

He kick started the day’s activities by inspecting a ceremonial parade mounted by members of the BPS.

A sizeable crowd which had turned up to celebrate with the police were treated to a mouthwatering programme of events which included women tug of war, calisthenics, aerobics, dog unit display, athletics relay, horse and air displays.

The drill reflected the discipline and teamwork among members of the BPS.

The police float displayed a number of equipment the police use in their daily schedule and some for anti-poaching patrols.

The BPS of today has evolved from three infant forces, namely the Bechuanaland Mounted Police in 1884, Bechuanaland Border Police in 1885 and Bechuanaland Protectorate Police in 1902.

Eventually the name changed to Botswana Police Force in 1966 until it was rebranded to Botswana Police Service (BPS) in 1997.

In 1971 Simon Hirschfield was appointed the first Motswana police commissioner, deputised by the late Lt Gen. Mompati Merafhe.

Five Batswana have since served as police commissioners and they are Messrs Simon Hirschfield (1971-1995), Norman Moleboge (1995-2004), Edwin Batshu (2004-2007), Thebeyame Tsimako (2007-2012) and the incumbent Keabetswe Makgophe who succeeded Tsimako in August 2012.

He is deputised by three deputy commissioners responsible for Operations, Dinah Marathe, Support Services, Tapudzani Gabolekwe and Crime Investigations, David Mosetse.

The BPS has grown steadily over the years with manpower of 734 policemen and 42 police stations in 1966 to over 3 206 police officers by 1989.

Today BPS boasts of about 79 police stations countrywide, 16 districts, North, Central, South Central and South police divisions. Ends