BCP advocates arming police
Pini Bothoko | Wednesday August 6, 2025 11:44
Delivering a statement in Parliament recently, acting Leader of Opposition (LOO), and Member of Parliament (MP) for Bobirwa, Taolo Lucas, decried the escalating trend of brutality directed towards on-duty police officers, citing two particularly gruesome incidents that occurred within a short space of time.
“On Friday, 25th July 2025, social media was flooded with disturbing images of a blood-soaked police officer who had been hacked on the head with an axe in Mmathethe whilst conducting an investigation. This came shortly after another attack in Molepolole, where an officer was viciously assaulted during a routine traffic stop whilst in full uniform,” Lucas recounted.
Lucas pointed out that such attacks not only endanger the lives of law enforcement personnel but also threaten national peace and stability.
“Attacks on members of the police are an attack on the peace, tranquility, and good order of the country. It is a gross violation of state authority,” the BCP leader stressed.
The acting LoO used the platform to remind the nation of the vital role police officers play in society, including protecting life and property, preventing and detecting crime, and maintaining public security and order.
“These duties make it clear that the police service is a cornerstone of our democracy and societal stability. Any attack on an officer should provoke outrage amongst all peace-loving citizens,” Lucas said.
In response to the escalating violence, BCP proposed a five-point action plan aimed at protecting police officers and fostering public cooperation.
“There should be public education on grievance channels, all citizens should acquaint themselves with police grievance procedures and follow them. When aggrieved by the police, citizens can simultaneously report to the police leadership and the local leadership, rather than resorting to violence, violence should never be an option,” he said.
He further revealed to propose that there should be an anti-violence campaign, stating that the Minister for State President should lead a national campaign against violence on members of the police service to strongly discourage it.
“Moreover, we propose that the police commissioner should consider reviewing the police operational procedures and ensure that officers are properly equipped with non-lethal equipment to defend themselves from attacks such as the recent incidents,' Lucas noted.
“We also propose that police officers who are victims of violence be accorded all the necessary assistance and support to emerge out of the trauma,” he said.
Additionally, LOO said there should be a national dialogue on arming the police, proposing that a conversation should be initiated to determine whether current circumstances warrant arming police officers as a protective measure.
Whilst reiterating its position, the BCP affirmed its full support for Botswana’s law enforcement officers and expressed deep concern for their safety in the face of growing hostility.
“We must not allow a culture of violence against peace officers to fester. We stand in full solidarity with our police and honour the noble task they perform daily in safeguarding our lives and properties,” he said.
Commenting, several MPs supported the statement and emphasised that police officers are the first line of defence in protecting the public and, therefore, deserve to be protected themselves.
For his part, the MP for Lobatse, Kamal Jacobs, from the ruling Umbrella for Democratic Change, said there is a need for Parliament to take a firm stand because police officers risk their lives daily to serve the country, and failing to protect them, they would be failing the very institution that upholds law and order.
“Maybe it is time for us to consider increasing penalties for those who assault officers, particularly whilst they are performing their duties,” Kamal said.