22 Feb 2023

 Batswana no longer feel safe in their own country due to home invasions, stock theft, break-ins, drug abuse and gender based violence (GBV.

 “I therefore expect a robust tactical response from the BPS,” Minister of Defence and Security Mr Kagiso Mmusi told the 49th Botswana Police Service senior officers annual conference on Monday.

He reminded his audience that it was BPS’ responsibility to ensure the safety of every Motswana and person living in this country and that the crimes were a threat to government‘s foreign investment drive.

 Applauding BPS for the coordinated response in addressing cash-in-transit heists and ATM bombings which were rampant in the recent past, he however said strategies employed must be reviewed and improved continuously so that the problems did not recur.

Mr Mmusi said the community policing initiative remained relevant and effective towards achieving an effective law enforcement service.

 He urged communities and BPS to continue strengthening their strategic alliance to guarantee the safety and security of citizens and residents.

Minister Mmusi also commended BPS’ decision not to allow withdrawal of GBV related cases before  and applauded First Lady Neo Masisi for her advocacy and strategic initiatives aimed at fighting the scourge. 

The minister urged BPS to develop more strategic partnerships.

  Emphasising the importance of inter-agency collaboration,  Mr Mmusi expressed appreciation  for  the support and collaboration evident among security sector organisations.

He called for the strengthening and nurturing of the team approach for effective service delivery.

Pointing out that police presence and visibility was a major factor in crime prevention,  Mr Mmusi said significant resources had been made available for 1000 police constable posts, introduction of drone technology, expansion of CCTV coverage and procurement of specialised vehicles for border patrols and poaching activities.

The initiatives would significantly improve BPS‘ capability and enhance service delivery within the organisation.

Mr Mmusi stressed that the success of any organisation was largely dependent on the skills and competence of its employees. 

“We should in this regard ensure that our officers are taken through regular professional development programmes, including customer and ethics training in order to improve their conduct and morale,” he said.

He urged senior officers to prioritise construction and maintenance of police facilities to achieve effectiveness in policing. 

In his welcome remarks, acting BPS commissioner, Mr Phemelo Ramakorwane said the orgnisation had reinforced  operations and sensitisation campaigns, particularly in the fight against drugs. 

He said the operation targeted schools where the drug challenge was most rampant.

Mr Ramakorwane revealed that Special Support Group was now engaged in fighting home invasions. 

“These efforts and initiatives will continue to feature as priority deliverables in our current policing agenda,” he said.

The police chief said 2022 saw an increase in all crime categories. 

“Total crime increased by 20 per cent, penal code offences by 17 per cent and other offences by 27 per cent. Corporate targeted crimes which are robberies and break-ins increased by 21 per cent, with store breaking and theft and robberies accounting for the largest increase.

 As for prevalent offences, this category recorded an overall increase of 18.9 per cent. Significant increases were realised in motor vehicle and stock theft cases,” he said.

Mr Ramakorwane said BPS continued to strengthen counter strategies and programmes as well as local and international collaborative efforts in the fight against crime.

The five-day conference, held under the theme; Modern Policing: New Realities Towards Safe and Secure Communities, has brought together 160 officers from the rank of senior superintendent and above. BOPA