Police service re-commits service delivery
Pini Bothoko | Tuesday August 8, 2023 06:00
Under the theme ‘Towards Safer and Secure Communities by 2036,’ this annual event has become one of the highlights on the national calendar, drawing an impressive crowd of all age groups and social backgrounds.
The roots of the BPS date back to 1884 when the British assembled 100 men to establish the police force. Over time, this evolved into three distinct forces: the Bechuanaland Mounted Police in 1884, the Bechuanaland Border Police in 1885, and the Bechuanaland Protectorate Police in 1902. The organisation eventually adopted the name Botswana Police Force in 1966 and later rebranded to BPS in 1997.
In an interview on the sidelines of the celebrations, BPS’ spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner Dipheko Motube highlighted the organisation’s remarkable achievements in combating crime and safeguarding the nation throughout its history. He emphasised the continued dedication to its mission and the transformation brought about by technology, which has made the BPS one of the largest government entities in terms of workforce in the country. Motube proudly stated, “We are committed to keeping Botswana safe and free from crime, and we will continue to improve in delivering this mandate.” To achieve its goals, the BPS has been actively collaborating with communities through cluster policing and neighbourhood watch programmes, leading to more effective crime-fighting efforts.
This community engagement has fostered a stronger relationship between the police and the public, resulting in increased cooperation and valuable assistance in ongoing investigations. To keep up with the rapidly developing field of law enforcement and crime prevention, the BPS has fully embraced technology. The organisation has strategically installed surveillance cameras in key areas of Gaborone and Francistown to enhance crime-fighting efforts. Plans are in place to extend this project to the surrounding villages to ensure comprehensive coverage and protection even in the most remote areas from criminal activities. Motube highlighted the positive impact of these surveillance cameras, stating, “These cameras have been instrumental in reducing smash and grab cases, as they used to occur at traffic lights, speed humps, and passages around the city.
They have also proven invaluable in resolving investigations of nighttime car accidents.” Despite facing certain challenges, the BPS remains resilient and determined to better serve the citizens of Botswana. Motube mentioned that stock theft, drug abuse, and domestic violence are still issues of concern, but the BPS is committed to finding innovative ways to address these challenges effectively. The rising stock theft trend is particularly alarming, causing immense hardship for farmers, especially those in rural communities who heavily rely on agriculture for their livelihoods. Additionally, drug abuse, even amongst school-going children, has become a pressing issue, with many offences being committed under the influence of drugs and alcohol. The BPS is fully aware of these issues and is actively seeking solutions to curb them.
Domestic violence, especially so-called ‘passion killings’, remains a troubling aspect of society. Motube underlined the need for a mindset change to foster a more positive outlook on life, as transforming mindsets can lead to a decrease in such violence. The anniversary celebration was a grand and captivating affair, much like in previous years. The event featured a range of exciting activities that left spectators spellbound. Amongst these, the highlight was the 4x4 relay race, featuring BPS women’s and men's teams from six different divisions.
The South Central division women’s relay team secured the first position, while the men’s relay was won by the police headquarters team. As the BPS celebrates, its unwavering commitment to ensuring a safer and secure Botswana remains evident. Embracing technology and fostering community partnerships are key elements in the ongoing efforts to combat crime effectively. While challenges persist, the BPS is dedicated to finding innovative solutions and adapting to changing circumstances to better serve the nation.