27 Jul 2026

Botswana Police Service has launched a vehicle leasing pilot project in Maun and Gaborone as part of efforts to tackle increasingly complex crime and improve operational readiness across the country.

Speaking at the launch on Friday, Commissioner of Police, Ms Dinah Marathe said criminals were now exploiting emerging technologies, making it critical for police to modernise resources and service delivery.

“The launch of the Botswana Police Service vehicle leasing pilot project is testament to government commitment to strengthening public service through innovation, collaboration and responsible stewardship of public resources,” Ms Marathe said.

Under a 12-month agreement with Car Rentals Botswana (Pty) Ltd, trading as Avis Rent A Car, the police will lease 28 operational vehicles. The arrangement includes comprehensive maintenance, insurance cover and replacement vehicles when needed.

The fleet will be deployed to two policing areas:  Broadhurst Policing Area 9 vehicles for Broadhurst Police Station and posts at Oodi, Phakalane and Gaborone North Maun Policing Area, 19 vehicles for Maun Police Station, Maun Airport Police Station and posts at Khwai, Mababe, Shorobe, Matsaudi, Chanoga, Komana, Somelo, Nxaraga, Boseja, Makalamabedi and Sedie

Ms Marathe said the model allowed the service to maintain high fleet availability while cutting the financial and operational costs of ownership, maintenance and repairs. The Commissioner noted the pilot aligned with the police corporate strategy launched recently ; A key focus is Priority One: Enhancing Operational Readiness and Service Delivery, specifically Objective Five: Reinforcing BPS Mobility and Deployment Readiness.

“Through this initiative, we are strengthening our operational mobility to improve deployment, increase police visibility, enhance emergency response capability and ultimately deliver more effective policing across the country,” she said. Ms Marathe added that policing must be guided by the service mantra, ‘Let the Voice of the Customer Lead Us.’

“Every strategic decision we make must ultimately enhance the quality, accessibility and responsiveness of policing services delivered to the people of Botswana.”

Annual crime figures for Maun show violent crime remains a challenge, including store break-ins, murder, threats to kill, and stock theft.  Ms Marathe expressed confidence that the additional vehicles, combined with the recent introduction of airborne law enforcement capability in the area, will help address crimes of concern and assist in detecting missing persons.

She also thanked government for continued investment in national security institutions, and acknowledged strategic partners, Dikgosi and communities for supporting a police service that is ‘modern, responsive, trusted and worthy of the confidence placed in it.’

“By strengthening fleet management through strategic partnerships, we allow our officers to focus on what matters most: preventing and detecting crime, protecting life and property, preserving public peace and maintaining law and order,” Ms Marathe said. ENDS