Boko urges recruits to confront security threats with integrity
Pini Bothoko | Wednesday December 17, 2025 06:00
President Duma Boko challenged the latest cohort of the Botswana Police Service (BPS) whilst officiating their 2025 BPS passout parade that was held at the Police College in Otse recently. Then, 873 trainees, with 845 of them being former special constables, graduated.
Boko warned that Botswana is wrestling with new and emerging public security threats that demand decisive action from the nation’s law enforcement frontline.
He said illicit drugs and substance abuse have become a national crisis threatening to tear families apart, stressing that officers must confront the problem head-on.
“It is an existential threat that we must fight and win. Whilst we release you to the community, you will be confronted with these situations and many others. We expect you to deal with them decisively and bring them to an end. That is the only option,” Boko said.
The President also expressed deep concern over the persistent rise in Gender-Based Violence (GBV), describing it as a ‘dark stain’ on our collective conscience and a betrayal of Botswana’s moral values.
According to Boko, police recorded 14,020 cases of GBV in 2024, including 4,468 cases involving children. He urged the new officers to become part of the solution.
“Please go out there not to perpetuate the problem, but to contribute effectively to efforts to find new solutions,” Boko said.
Boko reminded the graduates that police officers are not only enforcers of the law, but also the first responders for victims seeking help, protection and justice.
He emphasised the critical role officers play in documenting GBV cases, preparing affidavits and helping victims secure immediate court relief.
“Victims of GBV must find solace, safety and comfort in your presence. You will hear their anguish, witness their trauma and present their cause before the courts,” Boko said.
Boko said the trust placed in officers requires them to remain professional, vigilant and compassionate.
Turning to corruption, Boko warned that the greatest threat to any institution is ‘internal decay’. He implored the recruits to maintain the highest ethical standards and resist any temptation that may compromise their oath.
“Be an officer of impeccable integrity, one who will not only resist temptation, but actively stand against malfeasance. You should despise and fight corruption with passion and undying determination,” Boko said.
Whilst acknowledging the commitment of the police, Boko said experience shows that policing alone cannot defeat crime. He urged the graduates to adopt a community-oriented policing philosophy to build public trust and strengthen cooperation.
“You should build trust and cultivate the spirit of police-community cooperation in order to make crime management effective and impactful,” he said.
Boko concluded by praising the recruits for their dedication, expressing full confidence in their ability to serve with honour.
“You are the vanguard of your nation’s security and the rearguard of its peace. I have full faith that you will discharge your duties with the courage, integrity and dedication that best define policing,” the President said.
The 873 officers will now be deployed across the country as Botswana intensifies its fight against crime, drugs, GBV, corruption and other evolving security threats.