04 Feb 2025

Botswana remembers a time when the fight against illicit drugs, particularly dagga, was synonymous with two names, Senior Assistant Commissioner of Police, Mr Nunu Lesetedi and Boots, the intrepid police sniffer dog. 

Mr Lesetedi, who retired from the Botswana Police Service (BPS) in December last year, alongside another decorated officer, Mr Dipheko Motube, carved a legendary status for himself, a legacy built not just on successful busts, but on a unique partnership that captivated the nation. 

For many, Mr Lesetedi’s face, stern yet resolute, became a familiar sight on Botswana Television (Btv) screens around 2011.

Accompanied by journalists Kagiso Malepa and Onkutlule Thamage from Btv, and yours truly, he led daring raids, often utilising a police helicopter and police van, to dismantle drug trafficking networks. 

Their televised exploits became must-see viewing, even drawing in younger audiences glued to the evening bulletins.

The team’s relentless pursuit of illicit drugs, particularly those smuggled from Eswatini (formerly Swaziland), became a symbol of Botswana’s fight against substance abuse. 

But the real star, aside from Mr Lesetedi himself, was Boots. This remarkable female police dog was more than just a tool, she was a partner, a colleague, and a national icon.

Trained to an exceptional standard, Boots possessed an uncanny ability to detect even the most meticulously hidden dagga. 

Her dedication to duty was legendary, leaving a trail of apprehended drug dealers in her wake. So effective was she that, according to reports, drug traffickers openly plotted her demise.

However, Boots’ charm transcended her professional achievements. She garnered immense public affection, with admirers even showering her with birthday gifts. 

Her death left an irreplaceable void within the police service, though she thankfully left behind an offspring. While Mr Lesetedi did not personally train Boots, their collaboration was undeniable. 

Together, they formed an almost unbreakable partnership. The combination of Mr Lesetedi’s strategic leadership and Boots’ unparalleled sniffing skills ensured that only a few drug dealers escaped the long arm of the law. 

It was a relationship that captured the hearts of the nation, showcasing the effectiveness of human-animal teamwork in law enforcement. 

The bond between Mr Lesetedi and the journalists covering his work was equally significant.

Their close collaboration ensured that the public remained informed about the ongoing battle against drug trafficking, humanising the often-grim reality of the fight.

The journalists provided the platform, highlighting Mr Lesetedi’s dedication and Boots’ heroism. 

The media coverage cemented Mr Lesetedi’s position as a symbol of unwavering commitment to public safety.

Mr Lesetedi is a decorated police officer having served the Botswana Police Service for 45 years. 

His career as a crime scene investigator began after training at Durham University in the United Kingdom, followed by a diploma in Scientific Support.

His expertise led to breakthroughs in numerous high-profile cases, including the apprehension of the Mahalapye serial killer, a certain Radipitse, the conviction and execution of former military commando Tekoetsile Tsiane and four accomplices for the murder of a Motokwe businessman in 1995, the solving of a Kanye ritual murder, and the arrest of suspects in the killing of two German tourists near the Makalamabedi veterinary gate. 

Beyond these, he played a crucial role in cracking numerous border heists and drug trafficking cases during his time as Deputy Director of the Crime and Intelligence branch, resulting in the arrests of numerous drug lords. 

Even earlier in his career, while a Constable at Gaborone’s Central Police Station, he was part of the team that apprehended the notorious killer, Sipho Sithole, a testament to his courage and skill in dealing with dangerous criminals. 

After graduating, Mr Lesetedi was offered lecturing positions at Durham University and a job at FBI, but he declined, choosing to dedicate his life to serving his country.

His dedication to the Botswana Police Service began unexpectedly. 

A trained and qualified printer working for the Department of Government Printer, he was lured into the Botswana Police Service by his time spent at the police camp with his friend, Mr Edward Ntsimane. 

He traded a comfortable life for the demanding role of a police officer, driven by a desire to protect Batswana.

Born in Serowe, Mr Lesetedi reflects on his career, emphasising the importance of responsibility, dedication, patience, and determination, qualities essential for navigating the complexities of modern policing and dealing with increasingly dangerous criminals. 

He highlights the crucial role of public trust in the BPS, an institution he considers among the best in Africa. 

Now a farmer, Mr Lesetedi maintains his allegiance to the police, emphasising that his retirement does not diminish his commitment to the service or other organisations such as the Botswana Defence Force (BDF).

He remains deeply concerned about issues such as drug and substance abuse, advocating for a multi-stakeholder approach involving community engagement to tackle the root causes, which range from peer pressure and unemployment to recreational use and self-medication. 

He stresses the limitations of law enforcement alone in addressing these complex societal problems and urges the new government to prioritise the well being of all citizens, creating “a loving nation that cares for everyone”.

Mr Lesetedi’ s retirement marks the end of an era. His legacy extends beyond the impressive number of arrests and successful operations. 

It is about the inspiration he provided, the partnership with Boots that captured the national imagination, and the collaborative effort with the media that brought the fight against drugs to the forefront of public consciousness. ENDS