11 Aug 2024

The Botswana Police Service Intake No. 1 of 2023 celebrated their commissioning and pass-out parade at the Botswana Police College on Thursday by donating goods valued at P300 000 to support education, the girl-child, and persons with disabilities in the Southern region.

Speaking during the handover ceremony, Minister of Defence and Security, Honourable Kagiso Mmusi, expressed pride in the occasion that showcased compassion and the willingness to assist those in need. 

The donations included wheelchairs, photocopying machines, blankets, and sanitary pads, all raised by the graduands from their training allowances over the past six months.

Mr Mmusi applauded the kind gesture, emphasising that a culture of giving was deeply rooted in the Botswana Police Service (BPS) and is set to continue. He acknowledged the significance of extending support to those in need, especially to the girl-child and the education sector.

As the new police officers embark on their careers, Minister Mmusi encouraged them to excel and pursue promotions within the force. 

He praised their impressive physical fitness and command during the pass-out parade, wishing them success in their future endeavours as part of the BPS. “What you have done is in line with the aspirations of the nation through the National Vision 2036,” he said, highlighting the initiative’s alignment with national goals.

Senior Assistant Commissioner Lesego Ponchi, the Director of Training at the Botswana Police College, provided an overview of the project. He noted that beyond their formal training, the recruits were empowered to become agents of positive change in society. The donated items included three photocopiers for schools in Mojadigo, Mogobane, and Ntlhantlhe, 10 wheelchairs for residents in Ntlhantlhe, Kgomokasitwa, Lekgolobotlo, and Ranaka, and 120 blankets for selected residents of Ramotswa. Additionally, sanitary pads were earmarked for distribution to Moeding College, Baratani, and Mogobane Junior Secondary Schools.

Deputy Commissioner of Support Services, Solomon Mantswe, echoed Senior Assistant Commissioner Ponchi’s sentiments, stressing the importance of compassion and caregiving as integral components of policing. He reminded the recruits that combating social ills aligns with their duties as police officers.

On behalf of the recipients, Mr Sonny Phiri, Chairperson of the Moshupa District Council and Councillor for Magotlhwane/Kgomokasitwa, commended the recruits for their proactive community support, stating that their actions contributed to nation-building and foster a responsible community culture that prioritises caring for one another. 

The gesture by Intake No. 1 of 2023 stands as a testament to the ongoing commitment of the Botswana Police Service to serve not only in their official capacity but also as compassionate members of the community., he said. ENDs