24 Sep 2019

Private security companies compliment Botswana Police Service (BPS) efforts in the fight against crime.

Senior Assistant Commissioner Moore Gondo from the Ministry of Defence, Justice and Security, said this when giving a keynote address at a two-day workshop organised by the ministry’s Private Security Services Licensing Unit in Francistown, .

Senior Assistant Commissioner Gondo explained that private companies had created employment to men and women who would otherwise be roaming the streets.

“Generally, they are key stakeholders contributing immensely to Botswana’s economic advancement, peace and tranquility,” he explained.

He also explained that the Botswana Security Services board was tasked with a responsibility of licensing private security providers.

“You are also to ensure that the license holders do comply with the Private Security Services Act and Botswana laws. It is expected that the board will set out clear performance objectives with timelines as a way of inculcating efficient service delivery in private security service industry,” he said.

He said for the board to fully execute its functions it would require a well capacitated secretariat and that the two-day retreat would afford both parties an opportunity to introspect on their mandate.

“This is why we have brought regulators who are tried and tested to share with us best practices from where we can chart our own path.  I have no doubt in my mind that when we leave Francistown, we would be having a clear roadmap to implementing the new act,” he added.

Mr Gondo also commended board members for accepting a call to serve in the board regulating private security services.

“You did so, I believe, because you appreciate the value addition you will be imparting in the regulation of security services. Your contribution to the socio-economic and political stability of our country need not be overemphasised,” he said.

He further explained that Batswana were not prepared to settle for less-particularly on matters regarding their security, property and assets.

Mr Gondo remained optimistic that engagements such as the retreat instilled a high sense of productivity and efficient service delivery in the security industry.

He explained that the retreat came at a time when the ministry had committed to commencing the Private Security Services Act which was enacted in 2015.

Meanwhile, head of the private security companies in the ministry, Mr Ross Sanoto, said the main objective of the retreat was to introspect about what was awaiting the unit upon commencement of the act.

He said there was need to professionalise the industry and that the business could not be run without a license, adding that there was also need to train security officers.

The retreat also intended to bring the secretariat, board members and Security Association of Botswana together to deliberate on issues affecting the implementation of the Private Security Services Act of 2015 and its regulations.ENDS