24 Jul 2022

The recent attack on Good Hope Police Station which resulted in the theft of guns and ammunition should not be allowed to recur because it compromised the nation’s security.

In addition, it tarnished the image of Botswana Police Service (BPS), Minister of Defence and Security, Mr Kagiso Mmusi said Friday.

Speaking at the passing out parade for 499 police constables at Botswana Police College on Friday, he however said the break-in should embolden officers to serve better. The minister said issues of public safety and security were critical for the creation of an enabling climate for socio-economic development.

He said current public security challenges facing the country included cash-in-transit heists, rustling, cybercrime, drug trafficking and Gender Based Violence (GBV).

If not addressed, the challenges would impact negatively on social cohesion and peace, economic growth and job creation as well as bilateral relations with neighbouring countries, said Mr Mmusi.

The minister said it had therefore become critical for BPS to be resourced in order for the organisation to execute its duties effectively and ensure a safer society. 

To that end, 1 000 new positions had been approved  for  BPS during the current  financial year, Minister Mmusi said.

He said the 499 new constables would be followed by a second intake whose recruitment was at an advanced stage.

The graduates comprised 249 female and 250 males, an almost 50/50 gender distribution which the minister said was highly commendable.

 It was also a demonstration that BPS was alive to the empowerment of women, a key government policy, said Mr Mmusi.

The minister  revealed that 45 per cent of the cohort held professional qualifications in law, public administration, management, criminology, journalism and telecommunications.

Explaining that being a police officer was a call to national service, he called on the new officers to accept their mandate with total respect, devotion, commitment and fully aware of the inherent sacrifices that went with the law enforcement profession.

Mr Mmusi said to be effective and efficient, they must ensure legal and moral alignment in the execution of their duties.

“Our citizens expect high standards of service from us, characterised by discipline, fairness, respect and objectivity.

Therefore, you should be prepared to go beyond the normal call of duty to serve Batswana as that is the nature of police work,” he said.

Minister Mmusi said as they embarked on their law enforcement career, they should maintain the highest level of discipline by strictly observing police code of conduct and core values of Botho, excellence, integrity and teamwork. 

He informed the new officers that they were joining one of the most disciplined and professional organisations in the country, Africa and globally and would be held to high levels of discipline, performance and accountability.

The group contributed P 99 800 towards assisting a disadvantaged family in Magotlhwane. Ends