28 Oct 2020

Debswana has donated a shipment motor vehicle worth P414 000 to Orapa police station.

Orapa Letlhakane and Damtshaa Mines (OLDM) General Manager, Mr Bakani Motlhabani said the gesture symbolised the partnership between Debswana and Botswana Police Services (BPS) that had been in existence for more than 51 years.

Mr Motlhabani stated that Debswana found it fit to donate the vehicle to ensure the police were able to fulfill its mandate of product shipment.

He said he was confident that the vehicle would be used for the intended purpose which included transportation of officers, escort duties and community services.

He said Botswana police partnered with Debswana through its security department to ensure that Orapa was a safe and secure place to work and live in.

The general manager commended BPS for its role in the fight against COVID-19 in Botswana and Boteti Sub-district, citing that BPS, worked tirelessly to ensure that Batswana were safe and secure during the trying times.

He noted that BPS played a key role in addressing Gender Based Violence (GBV) in the country, observing that the number of cases increased during lockdown.

Mr Motlhabani noted that BPS introduced standard operating procedures for handling GBV cases, a dedicated GBV toll-free number for victims to report incidents.

He stated that Debswana had also committed to join the fight against GBV by partnering with a number of stakeholders in the sub-district including Lucara- Karowe Mine, to raise awareness on GBV in Boteti.

All the efforts by various stakeholders, he said would improve GBV situation in the country.

Meanwhile, the Senior Security Manager, Mr Augustine Nyatanga commended BPS for providing security support when the mine transported diamonds from Orapa to Jwaneng.

In his comments, Officer Commanding NO.8 district Senior Superintendent Sarah Gabathusi appreciated the  contribution made by Debswana in policing the area.

Senior Supt. Gabathusi noted that Debswana had in the past donated two vehicles to Orapa Police Station and paid for their maintenance.

She stated that transport played a key role in police service, citing that without transport, exhibits could be destroyed or compromised.

Senior Supt. Gabathusi stated that the mine also assisted with providing lighting facilities surrounding Letlhakane Police Station to enhance security, adding that, there were plans to undertake maintenance of Orapa Police Station by Debswana.

In addition, she expressed concern over the increasing number of GBV cases and hailed Debswana for partnering with Lucarato to fight GBV cases.

She also commended Debswana for engaging Stepping stones to establish the challenges afflicting the community of Boteti with regards to GBV and its causes. Ends