Loss of chopper, crew hobbles police fight against crime
Pini Bothoko | Wednesday April 30, 2014 11:40
He said that though another helicopter can be replaced, the officers who perished will be difficult to replace because they were highly qualified.
“Kana we are talking of three people, the two pilots and the law enforcement officer. It is a big loss to the country and something that Botswana will mourn for a long time. The trio were highly qualified pilots and crew. Losing them even though there are other qualified pilots is a big loss to the entire country,” said Mbulawa.
The Botswana Police Service introduced an air wing five years ago to boost the fight against crime. Since then, it has played a significant role in anti-crime initiatives.
About a month ago, a police chopper rescued a primary school girl who was being raped by assailants in the bushes near the Francistown Golf Course.
Early this year there were numerous armed robberies in Gaborone and the police deployed the helicopter crews to arrest the perpetrators.
The police use the helicopters in chase and recovery operations; air patrol; riot control traffic surveillance; and search and rescue missions. The choppers have been used to re-arrest inmates who escaped from prisons in Selebi-Phikwe and Francistown. They transport Special Weapon and Tactics (SWAT) personnel, an elite paramilitary tactical section that conducts high-risk operations.
The choppers are equipped with infrared surveillance cameras, radar, loudspeakers, tear gas dispensers, search lights, flashing light beacons, rescue equipment and special seating.