23 Mar 2026

Batswana have been encouraged to fight for their protection not just through words, but by being seen to actively participate in security efforts.

Speaking during a Crime Prevention Symposium held in Moroka recently, Minister for State President, Defence and Security, Mr Moeti Mohwasa, said citizens should be able to move freely and sleep peacefully without the fear of being attacked in their homes at night. Minister Mohwasa emphasised that every activity across the country must be carried out without the looming threat of criminal activity.

“In 2024, the President stated that he envisions a crime-free Botswana where people can walk from Mogoditshane to Gaborone using their cellphones without fear of them being snatched,” he said.

He noted, however, that the community currently lived in fear of both law-breaking foreigners and local youth.

Mr Mohwasa highlighted that the crime situation was being exacerbated by rampant drug abuse. He lamented that some parents were aware of local drug dealers but failed to report them to the authorities. While security agents were available to assist, the minister acknowledged that their numbers were insufficient. Thus, he urged the community to join forces with the police to bridge the gap. 

He also indicated that government was faced with logistical hurdles including financial challenges, leading to shortage of working equipment. He added that police housing remained inadequate.

“Even when officers are dedicated to their work, their morale is often lowered by poor accommodation,” he noted.

On one hand, the minister advised the public to cease the illegal cross-border trade of petrol and other commodities to Zimbabwe. He warned that such activities deprived both countries of essential tax revenue that could otherwise be used for development.

Tshesebe Station Commander, Superintendent Mothusi Phadi, outlined a goal to reduce corporate targeted offences by 10 per cent in his policing area. The crimes, Supt Phadi said included burglary, store breaking, housebreaking, rape, theft from dwellings, defilement, murder, motor vehicle theft and robbery.

He observed that crime patterns in the North East region differed from those in the south, as criminals tend to specialise in specific items, such as televisions, jewelry or clothing. He added that relating to illegal border jumping records, the Tshesebe Police Station registered 2,406 and 3,809 cases in 2024 and 2025 respectively while in 2026 to date, they recorded 812 cases.

He noted that many of the illegal immigrants were being housed and employed by Batswana on farms and in homes without valid work permits. Furthermore, he warned about fire hazards, saying “some houses have been turned into warehouses for petrol stored in 20-litre plastic containers. Be warned of a potential inferno.”

In 2024, he said 16 cases were recorded involving illegal transport of 12 420 litres of petrol to Zimbabwe. Last year, he said 25 people were intercepted with 1 950 litres of fuel.

Event coordinator, Mr Kgosietsile Malanga stated that the symposium aimed to evaluate crime levels in the RAMOJAKGA area which included Ramokgwebana, Moroka, Jackalas 1 and Kgari.

In his welcome remarks, Kgosi George Moroka requested for the establishment of a police and Special Support Group office in his village to facilitate easier patrols. He noted that crime was rampant and that the village was frequently used as a transit point to Zimbabwe because the border fence was dilapidated. To address the issue, Kgosi Moroka suggested that an electric fence be erected along the border to deter illegal jumpers and stray animals. BOPA