Concerns mount over cost of police vehicle outsourcing
Pini Bothoko | Monday March 30, 2026 06:00
Across social media platforms, a significant number of commentators questioned the cost-effectiveness of leasing vehicles, arguing that the move could place an unnecessary burden on public funds at a time when the country is grappling with economic challenges.
Central to their concerns is the lack of clarity on how much the government will pay the car rental company on a monthly and annual basis. Some members of the public estimated that the deal could cost an average of P3.5 million over the 12 months, excluding fuel, maintenance, and possible accident-related expenses. This, they argue, raises serious questions about whether the same funds could instead be used to procure a permanent fleet of vehicles for the police service.
“Wouldn’t that money be enough to purchase vehicles for long-term use?” one commentator asked, echoing a widely shared sentiment that ownership may be more sustainable than leasing in the long run.
Others argued that revenue generated from traffic fines, often perceived by the public as excessive, should be redirected towards purchasing police vehicles instead of entering into rental agreements. For these critics, the decision appears to contradict calls for fiscal prudence, particularly during a period of economic strain.
Beyond financial concerns, some citizens proposed alternative solutions to address the police service’s transport challenges. One suggestion was for the government to optimise the use of its existing fleet by reallocating underutilised vehicles from other departments. According to this view, vehicles that are typically idle at night could be stationed at police facilities for operational use after hours, thereby reducing the need for external leasing.
Another proposal involved identifying and refurbishing vehicles that are currently parked and unused at Central Transport Organisation (CTO), now called Government Fleet Management (GFM) facilities. Commentators pointed out that many of these vehicles may only require minor repairs and could be restored at a fraction of the cost of renting new ones. Some even suggested that the police service should establish its own workshop to maintain and repair such vehicles internally, creating a more self-sustaining system.
“There are many abandoned vehicles at CTO that could be repaired and redeployed. Why not invest in fixing those instead of renting at a higher cost?” one social media user noted.
Further adding to the debate were calls for the government to explore more affordable procurement options, such as purchasing smaller, fuel-efficient vehicles suitable for urban policing. Models like the Honda Fit were frequently cited as cost-effective alternatives that could adequately serve day-to-day policing needs within towns and cities.
Some members of the public also expressed concern that outsourcing could disproportionately benefit private companies at the expense of local empowerment. A few suggested that individual Batswana with multiple vehicles could have been engaged through a structured programme to lease out their cars to the police, thereby spreading economic benefits more broadly among citizens.
“This could have been an opportunity to empower Batswana who own more than one vehicle. Instead, it looks like a single company will reap most of the benefits,” another contributor argued.
Concerns were also raised about the long-term sustainability of such partnerships, with some recalling a similar arrangement previously undertaken by the Ministry of Health that was eventually discontinued. Critics urged the police service to draw lessons from past experiences and ensure that the current initiative does not suffer a similar fate.
Questions around liability and insurance in the event of accidents involving leased vehicles also featured prominently in the public discourse. Some feared that additional, unforeseen costs could arise if vehicles are damaged, further straining the police service’s budget.
Despite the criticism, there were also voices of support for the initiative. Some members of the public acknowledged that leasing vehicles, particularly under full maintenance agreements with favourable residual value terms, can be a practical and efficient solution, especially when immediate operational needs must be addressed.
Supporters argued that outsourcing could help the police service avoid the high upfront costs associated with purchasing vehicles, while also ensuring access to well-maintained, reliable transport. They further noted that such arrangements often include servicing and maintenance, which can reduce downtime and improve overall efficiency.
The partnership, signed on Wednesday, will see the Botswana Police Service receive a total of 28 vehicles; 19 for the Maun Police Station and nine for Broadhurst Police Station once all logistical processes are finalised.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Commissioner of Police Dinah Marathe described the initiative as a bold and progressive step, expressing optimism that it will significantly improve mobility and service delivery within the police service.
She commended the government for prioritising the project despite prevailing economic challenges, stating that it reflects a strong commitment to adequately resourcing law enforcement.
For his part, Managing Director of Avis Rent A Car, Unathi Sigabi, welcomed the partnership and pledged that the company would leverage its industry expertise to meet expectations and deliver reliable service.
Both leaders expressed confidence that the collaboration will enhance operational efficiency and set a precedent for future partnerships aimed at strengthening public service delivery.
However, as the pilot project gets underway, public scrutiny is likely to remain high. For many citizens, the success of the initiative will ultimately depend on whether it delivers tangible improvements in policing without placing undue pressure on public resources.