19 Dec 2021

The Ministry of Defence, Justice and Security has assured the nation of its commitment to ensure their safety and security as envisaged in the National Vision 2036 pillar number four of Governance, Peace and Security.

Officially handing over a police post in Mabesekwa on Friday, Minister Kagiso Mmusi said the police post would provide a conducive environment for effective policing and protection of human rights and respect for the rule of law.

Mr Mmusi, who also handed over a brand new police vehicle, said peace and security was among other factors, a fundamental consideration in making informed investment decisions, hence Botswana was recognised for leading in democracy, peace and stability.
“This should not be taken for granted…we should continually improve our key processes towards making the country safer and secure,” he said.

He said it was against this backdrop that government remained generous in terms of resourcing the police service, to enable it to effectively service the population. He said Botswana like other countries, faced crimes such as human trafficking and drug smuggling among others, which challenged government to enact effective legislation.

“Officers are also regularly empowered to investigate and lead evidence in respect of these complex crimes.

At a domestic level, the country experiences violent and intrusive crimes as robberies and cash-in transit heists, which are currently in the increase in some areas,” he said, and advised Batswana to be extra vigilant as the festive season approached.

Another issue of national concern he said was the prevalence of Gender Based Violence (GBV) and associated crimes as murder, threat to kill, rape and defilement, but said the government would not relent in its fight against them.

The Minister also noted with satisfaction, the ongoing implementation of the National Development Plan 11, which prioritised the construction of police posts in various areas across the country. This, he said, was done to complement or relieve existing police stations and spare communities from travelling long distances to report crime.

He commended the contractor for delivering the project on time and budget.

Kgosi Tshwaro Masisi of Mabesekwa appreciated the police post construction and hand-over.

He said crime especially livestock related criminal activities had increased in the area. For his part, the Commissioner of Police, Mr Keabetswe Makgophe appealed to Batswana to work hand in hand with the police to fight crime in the country. ends