17 Jul 2019

Commissioner of Botswana Police Services Mr Keabetswe Makgophe says the crime rate was reduced by two per cent during 2018.

Speaking during the ninth annual national policing cluster award ceremony held in Palapye recently, he however said they did not perform well in selected serious crimes such as stock theft, threat to kill and motor vehicle theft.

He said there was need to prioritise and intensify counter strategies where they did not do well.

Mr Makgophe commended community policing which he attributed to the KgomoKhumo operations while applauding government for continuous support which had led to his department introducing new projects such as the Forensic Science Laboratory, New police stations, establishment of the fifth police Division in Maun and 17th Police district in Shakawe as well as manpower increase.

He said the support motivated and strengthened their resolve to make the nation much safer and secure. 

He assured that they would continue to utilise the allocated resources to bring policing services within the reach and benefit of all Batswana.

Mr Makgophe extended his gratitude to all Batswana who continue to associate themselves with cluster policing, especially Bogosi, for providing necessary leadership to policing clusters, noting that their selfless contribution was key to the attainment of peace, stability and economic prosperity.

For his part Bangwaketse paramount chief Kgosi Malope II shared how they manage to always emerge victorious in cluster policing awards, saying engagement of dikgosi in crime prevention committees in their respective localities was crucial.

He said as kgosi he was always abreast of what was happening in as far as crime fighting was concerned and gave advice where necessary. 

He said it was important for dikgosi to have a good working relation with the police, noting that was one of the strategies which made it possible for No 14 district to be successful in crime prevention. 

District No 14 managed to defend the trophy for the second time. 

Clusters were awarded various trophies, cheques and certificates.

In his closing remarks Batlokwa Kgosi Puso Gaborone said the event, which was in its ninth year had shown growth.

He said police alone could not fight crime and they needed assistance from members of the community and participation of villages together with other stakeholders. 

Kgosi Gaborone applauded Minister Kgathi for his leadership in infrastructure development and other activities which had turned around his ministry to be where it was today. 

He also thanked police staff for doing a good job in fighting crime. 

He called upon Batswana to be patriotic, loyal, helpful and respectful. Ends