Female police officers impress minister
Kagiso Onkatswitse | Friday April 3, 2015 12:33
Speaking at a pass-out parade at Police College in Otse on Tuesday, the minister said 35.8 percent of the recruits are women. He said the Botswana police has recruited 292 constables and four cadet sub-inspectors. He congratulated the police for their continued commitment to purpose and professionalism in service delivery. He said that the determination of the police has resulted in the effective delivery of law enforcement service in Botswana over the years.
He said it is important that the anti-crime strategies and initiatives remain current and relevant in order to effectively address the increasing complexities and dynamics of law enforcement. He told the new officers that the pre-service training, which they have just received serves as a foundation for preparing and assisting them to integrate and adapt easily to their duty environment. “I am convinced from the immaculate drill display I just witnessed. I am convinced that the training objectives have been met. I, therefore, wish to invite you to join me in commending the commissioner and his team of trainers for a job well done,” he said.
Kgathi urged the graduates to start their careers with a positive attitude. He advised them to aim for excellence till their retirement. “Being a police officer is a calling that needs physically fit and emotionally strong characters that are equally willing to be selfless,” he advised the officers. Kgathi told officers that on arrival at their respective duty stations, they will find officers of different levels and portfolios, who will assist them to settle and provide guidance, direction and leadership.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, Keabetswe Makgophe told Mmegi in an interview that he expects good conduct and discipline from them. “We trained them, we warned them of traps that will lead them to corrupt practices,” he said. Makgophe acknowledged that there are corrupt police officers. “Yes, there is corruption. It is not the entire police force, it could be one or two officers,” he said. Makgophe said he is concerned about the accommodation for the new officers because the service faces housing shortages. To solve the problem, he revealed that he has approached banks to issue loans to officers to build houses for themselves. “When officers have their own houses, shortage of housing will be reduced. We will then give housing allowance to those officers who stay in their houses,” he said. Makgophe urged more women to enlist into the police service.