11 May 2022

The over P1 million Mopipi Police Post commissioned this week  has been described as strategic.

Performing the official opening of the facility Tuesday, Vice President Slumber Tsogwane said it would enable police to achieve their mandate.

He lamented the increasing crime rate in Mopipi stating that criminals had been taking advantage of lack of police services in the village.

Business people had also been reluctant to invest in the village for fear of losing their property, he said.

Mr Tsogwane implored Botswana Police Service to invest in digital equipment and capacitate  officers with technological as well as research skills in order to improve service delivery.

For his part, Minister of Defence and Security, Mr Kagiso Mmusi promised to ensure that the facility was equipped with up-to-date technological equipment.

He expressed gratitude that government continued to deliver projects during the current  difficult economic times.

Minister Mmusi was also thankful that the ministry had been allowed to increase the number of police recruits.

That would not only augment the number of police officers but would also enhance service delivery, he said.

Mr Mmusi promised to increase the number of the police post’s fleet to two.

Acting Police Commissioner, Mr Solomon Mantswe said the project, which commenced in  June 2020, was undertaken by a citizen-owned company.

Initially planned to be completed in October of the same year, it was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and was instead completed in March, within budget, he said.

Mr Mantswe said the intention was to build police facilities as a package, with staff housing.

Meanwhile, he urged residents to offer their houses to police officers for rental. ENDS