BPS slams attacks on on-duty cops
Pini Bothoko | Wednesday July 30, 2025 06:00
Last week alone, three officers were reportedly attacked in separate incidents after suspects resisted arrest.
Speaking on the matter, BPS spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Near Bagali pleaded with the public to allow officers to carry out their duties without interference and harassment.
“These assaults do not reflect well on members of the public. We strongly condemn such acts and urge the public to do the same. Police officers are legally mandated to serve, protect, and offer quality service to the nation,” Bagali said.
He noted that in the first incident, which occurred on July 18, 2025, in Molepolole, a police officer was assaulted by a 29-year-old man after stopping his vehicle on a routine patrol.
According to Bagali, the officer discovered that the car was unregistered and the suspect was driving under the influence of alcohol.
“When the officer attempted to arrest him, the suspect became aggressive, throwing stones at him. The officer sustained serious injuries and was taken to Scottish Livingstone Hospital for treatment before being released,” Bagali explained.
In a second incident on July 21 in Mahalapye, another officer was stabbed by a 23-year-old man of Moloko Ward in Mahalapye with a sharp object whilst attempting to arrest a suspect.
“In the most recent case, a police officer was attacked and injured with an axe by a 20-year-old man of Tebogo Ward, Mmathethe, when trying to arrest him. The police officer was following an assault case in which the suspect was involved. The suspect used the weapon to seriously injure the officer,” he added.
Bagali stated that all three suspects have since been arrested, and those from the Molepolole and Mahalapye incidents have already appeared in court and remain in custody as investigations continue.
'The suspect from the Mmathethe case, who was arrested on Friday, is expected to appear in court this week,' he said.
Violent attacks aside, Bagali expressed appreciation for the public’s continued support in the fight against crime.
He acknowledged community-driven initiatives such as the community neighbourhood watch and other crime prevention efforts, which he said continue to be effective and make a positive difference.
“We appreciate the collaboration from the public and urge them to continue working with us. Crime prevention is a collective responsibility,” Bagali said.