Police perform non-core duties - Marathe
07 May 2025
Police Commissioner, Dinah Marathe says policing by its nature and form is a highly demanding and stressful work.
In her welcome remarks at the official opening of a three day 51st Botswana Police Senior Officers Annual Conference in Gaborone on Tuesday, Ms Marathe said police officers provide 24-hour service to Batswana.
She said their work constitutes processing a highly dynamic and volatile security environment, characterised by increasing high tech and complex crimes and social ills.
Commissioner Marathe said the officers equally confront and apprehend violent and elusive criminals and attend to horrific scenes.
Despite the workload, Commissioner Marathe said police officers also perform non-core duties including the provision of prosecutorial services, investigative support to other agencies, performing escort duties, crowd management, traffic lights control and many other support functions outside police work scope.
“These diversified, highly demanding and mentally challenging roles leave officers with little time to rest or interact with families and friends, or even accessing necessary psychological and counselling services, which is critical towards maintaining a healthy workforce,” she said. She said a number of institutions currently rely heavily on police officers seconded to their agencies to support their operations.
“It is evident that Botswana Police Service is counted among a few organisations that provide critical support to facilitate good performance to sister organisations,” she said.
On the basis of the demanding call to public service, Ms Marathe requested that conditions of service for the men and women in uniform require utmost attention.
Despite making the appeal, Ms Marathe said she was aware of the difficult fiscal environment facing the country. “I am confident that our economy will bounce back and current challenges will be addressed,” she said.
Unfortunately, Ms Marathe said the Botswana Police Service (BPS) have a limited number of psychologists and counsellors within the organisation, due to limited posts. However, Ms Marathe confirmed that she was leading an institution constituted by men and women who were prepared to execute a professional law enforcement function even beyond the call of duty.
“I can also assure you that these dedicated officers will never publicly or otherwise complain about too much work or low remuneration,” she said.
Ms Marathe also took the opportunity to affirm her commitment to continuously improving the internal welfare schemes and diversify scheme offerings and investment portfolios to benefit members.
She reiterated BPS commitment to service excellence. “We are proud to serve Batswana and serve them with dignity, diligence and distinction at all times,” she said. Ms Marathe added that BPS will continue to invest in community policing, law enforcement technology, research and staff development, in an effort to consolidate and align their efforts towards achieving the vision of becoming a law enforcement agency of repute.
In his vote of thanks, the Minister for State President, Mr Moeti Mohwasa said President Advocate Boko continued to inspire through his focused leadership and clear vision to see Botswana transform into an economic power house.
Mr Mohwasa said the President’s vision was to build a nation that fears God, a united people who have high regard for human rights and elimination of crime. ENDS
Source : BOPA
Author : Moshe Galeragwe
Location : Gaborone
Event : Annual Conference
Date : 07 May 2025
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