09 Sep 2013

Security companies in Botswana have been encouraged to foster closer ties with the Botswana Police Service.

Launching the Security Association of Botswana (SAB) during a gala dinner in Gaborone recently , Minister of Defence, Justice and Security, Mr Dikgakgamatso Seretse implored SAB to start investigating the possibility of setting up training for their personnel.  

He, however, commended some security institutions that were already accredited to BOTA, adding that it would be unfortunate if at the commencement of the anticipated legal framework, a lot of security companies would be found wanting.  

Minister Seretse said the industry was undergoing changes particularly in the legislative framework aimed to improve service and create a conducive environment for business and remove any uncertainties. 

He said the changes would enable a certain and desirable level of professionalism which would elude some of the SAB membership and others outside the membership.  

The minister appealed to security companies to comply with the current laws governing their industry, particularly labour laws and practices. 

In his welcome remarks, SAB chairman, Mr Gaolathe Modongo explained that the association was in the process of designing its own Website for marketing purposes adding that the association had also developed training standards that would soon be in circulation.  

However, he complained that criminals now target security which means that Batswana are no longer safe in their homes, hence the need for the government to consider allowing security guards to carry guns.

The objective of the gala dinner themed “Bringing security services closer to the nation” was to position the role of the association in the economy and enhance relationship and partnership between the association and the government as well as with other sectors of the economy. 

The SAB was founded in 1996 as a voluntary association of security professionals, dedicated to enhance closer ties with various security disciplines and uplift service standards within the industry.  ENDS