The former Naledi police CID chief is running a security intelligence outfit dubbed ‘Black Scorpions’. He quit the police service after over 20 years to form the organisation. The 42-year-old man from Molepolole said that he felt he would do better outside the police service. He was also motivated to establish the Black Scorpions by the need to curb the escalating crime in the country. He said intrusive crimes like break-ins and theft in houses, warehouses, shops and schools can result in violent confrontations.
Located in Gaborone Industrial area, Black Scorpion offers undercover operations for companies, individuals and general investigations. It unearths misappropriation of funds at banks, provides guards, installs CCTV cameras and wireless alarm systems in premises.
Gotswakgosi said their state of the art alarm system is connected to cellphones or landlines to alert clients of any interference at their homes and companies. The system is also connected to the Black Scorpion’s security’s control room, which operates 24 hours. Black Scorpions is hired to track individuals in family and relationships set-ups.
Its undercover operations are offered to clients who might feel there is something amiss in their companies. Surveillance could include monitoring of the security guards if suspected of involvement in crimes with employees. Gotswakgosi said his company drills guards on criminal law, constitutional rights, customer care and building evacuations for up to three weeks. The guards are armed with whistles, handcuffs, batons and two-way radios. Black Scorpion undercover operatives are hired as employees by client companies to hide their identities. Gotswakgosi says that the idea to form the security outfit was inspired by South Africa’s famous elite anti-crime unit, the Scorpions. However, his Black Scorpions are privately-owned and have no prosecution powers. It refers cases to the relevant authorities for action.
Gotswakgosi said he would like to see a crime-free nation by 2016. He encourages members of the public to engage security protection.
Gotswakgosi joined the police service as a constable in 1980. He progressed to the position of Officer in Charge of Naledi police CID. He started Black Scorpions with 50 guards and five supervisors. His staff comprises former members of the police service. He said eventually he would like to expand his services to the rest of the country.
