19 Dec 2023

Parliament has rejected a motion proposed by Tonota Member of Parliament, Mr Pono Moatlhodi requesting government to deploy Botswana Police Service; Special Support Group (SSG) to enhance national peace and order throughout the festive season.

Mr Moatlhodi had asked the House to adjourn its proceedings to focus on the motion, which he tabled as a matter of urgent public importance.

In motivating the motion, Mr Moatlhodi said he was taking into account the recent criminal acts, saying it was unfortunate that people were getting robbed in broad daylight and losing their valuables while others lost their lives in the process.

He said some victims of the heinous crimes were attacked at home, as criminals broke into their houses at night. 

Mr Moatlhodi, who was recently attacked when approaching his residence in Gaborone, assured the House that the motion was not motivated by the reason to plead his case, adding that another legislator, Mr Taolo Lucas of Bobonong was also recently attacked by criminals.

However, in contributing to the motion, Minister of Defence and Security, Mr Kagiso Mmusi said the Botswana Police Service including the SSG unit were accordingly and actively engaged in fighting crime every day, not only during the festive season.

“Effective today, Botswana Police Service and the Botswana Defence Force have kick-started a joint operation, which is a norm during the festive season to intensify patrols and security,” said Mr Mmusi.

Selebi Phikwe West MP, Mr Dithapelo Keorapetse also concurred that it was a norm that the police with the support of BDF engaged in other activities to combat crime during the holidays.

 He said it was important for the police to be visible during such a time of the year, adding that crime was a concern that must be fully attended to. 

He urged the police through joint patrols with other law enforcement officers to intensify their activities to ensure peace and security during the festive season.

Mr Tumiso Rakgare, MP for Mogoditshane, also added that even though it was necessary to intensify efforts towards fighting crime, what was requested was already being done. 

Therefore, he urged the responsible units to continue joining efforts with other law enforcement agencies to intensify security.

Maun West legislator, Mr Dumelang Saleshando agreed that the proposed motion was not urgent and said there was nothing new with the issue brought by Mr Moatlhodi such that it could be treated as urgent. ENDS