Botswana police launches five-year strategy to modernise policing
Pini Bothoko | Tuesday July 7, 2026 12:02
The fifth Corporate Development Strategy (CDS V) for the period 2026–2030 was ushered in by Minister of State President and Defence and Security, Moeti Mohwasa. Speaking at the event, Mohwasa, said the strategy reflects government's commitment to building a resilient, peaceful, and inclusive Botswana where citizens have confidence in public institutions.
He also told the gathering that it is aligned with National Development Plan 12, particularly its objective of restoring public trust in government institutions through transparency, accountability and the rule of law.
Mohwasa stressed that public confidence in the police is earned through professionalism, fairness, and effective service delivery.
'The strategy is more than an institutional planning document,' he said. 'It is a practical roadmap that will guide the service in contributing to national development, strengthening public confidence and responding effectively to an increasingly dynamic security environment.'
Mohwasa highlighted that the strategy's vision, 'A modern and proactive law enforcement agency of repute', reflects the BPS's commitment to embracing innovation and advanced policing methods.
At the same time, its mission focuses on delivering innovative and community-centred policing services.
The Minister also welcomed the adoption of the new organisational values, encapsulated in the acronym ‘BARATE’ – Botho, Agility, Resilience, Accountability, Teamwork and Excellence, saying they will reinforce integrity, professionalism and compassionate service.
He commended police officers for their dedication despite difficult working conditions and reaffirmed government's commitment to providing policy support, resources and leadership to ensure successful implementation of the strategy.
Mohwasa further emphasised that crime prevention is a shared responsibility, urging stronger partnerships between the police, communities, the private sector and civil society.
'Communities are not merely beneficiaries of security; they are active participants in creating and sustaining it,' he said.
For her part, Botswana Police Commissioner Dinah Marathe described the launch as a defining moment in the evolution of the organisation, saying CDS V marks the beginning of a new era of transformation.
She said the strategy was developed following extensive consultations and a comprehensive assessment of both the successes achieved under the previous Corporate Development Strategy (CDS IV) and the challenges facing modern policing.
Marathe highlighted several achievements realised during the implementation of CDS IV. These include the strengthened community policing, improved forensic and cybercrime investigation capabilities, expansion of child-friendly policing and victim-centred services, enhanced partnerships with regional and international law enforcement agencies, and increased investment in staff development.
She also noted significant institutional reforms, including the establishment of the North West Police Division, an additional police district, and specialised units such as the Cyber Forensics Branch.
Others are Gender and Child Protection Branch, Anti-Money Laundering Unit, Missing Persons Unit, Legal Services Branch, and the International Relations Police Public Partnerships Branch.
However, she acknowledged that the policing environment has become increasingly complex, with challenges such as gender-based violence, illicit drug trafficking, cybercrime, organised transnational crime, unemployment, and growing mental health concerns demanding new approaches.
'The findings were clear. Whilst the Botswana Police Service remains one of the country's most respected institutions, we must continue transforming to meet emerging security threats and the growing expectations of the public,' the police chief said.
Marathe added that CDS V introduces a renewed vision, mission and values whilst focusing on five key result areas.
These are improving service delivery and operational readiness, strengthening organisational capability, enhancing governance and professional standards, promoting staff welfare, and strengthening stakeholder partnerships and community confidence, she said.
The strategy contains 24 strategic objectives that will be implemented through 63 projects over the next five years in three phases, beginning with institutional strengthening, followed by operational expansion and concluding with consolidation and sustainability.
She said implementation will be monitored through a comprehensive monitoring and evaluation framework to ensure the strategy delivers measurable results.
Marathe urged police officers to embrace the transformation, saying the success of the strategy ultimately depends on the commitment, professionalism and integrity of members of the BPS.