09 Oct 2013

The Botswana Police Service started bicycle patrols at four police stations in Gaborone this week.

Speaking at the rolling out of the first batch of trained police cyclists in Gaborone, Senior Assistant Commissioner Foreman Baganetswe said bicycle patrols commenced in Broadhurst, Borakanelo, Gaborone West and Central Police stations.

Mr Baganetswe said bicycles would assist in fighting offences such as street robberies, house break-ins, as well as improving response time to reports. He explained that the police cyclists would also engage in public education exercises from time to time during their patrols.

He also explained that cyclists would, amongst others things, stop, question and search suspicious individuals as well as help children cross busy roads. Mr Baganetswe said some of the advantages of using bicycles included affordability and easy manoeuvring in passages and places that vehicles could not move with ease.

Botswana Police Service was planning to train another group of cyclists soon after which more bicycles will be rolled out to other stations, he said