Nowhere to run for armed robbers
Pini Bothoko | Friday June 30, 2017 18:17
Gone are the days when armed robbers and other criminals could strike and simply disappear into thin air, leaving no trace. As of late, the police have intensified their investigations and have been spending sleepless nights to make arrests. In the past, armed robbers used to keep the cops on their toes with most cases ending up unsolved but that appears to be a thing for the past. One can wonder if the police have upgraded its technology to make it easier for law enforcement to track down offenders or they have enforced their policing strategies.
Three weeks back, Gaborone and the Southern district were hard hit by a string of armed robberies targetting chain stores who were attacked and robbed at gunpoint. The thieves walked away with thousands of pulas but for a change shortly the police announced the arrest of six men linked to the offences. The police did not only arrest the criminals, they also confiscated three firearms and large quantities of drugs suspected to be dagga, which they have been paddling into the country.
Amongst the suspects were those who were on bail and having pending rape and other armed robberies cases before courts and described to be dangerous to the community. The police have not only made tremendous work in the arrests of armed robbers. Of late, they made great improvements in the arrests across all types of crimes.
A week ago, the Borakanelo police arrested people who attempted to rob some shops at Rail Park Mall. The police foiled the robbery, disturbed the heist before the robbers could gain entrance into the chain stores through the ceiling of the building.
Once again, the police discovered these robbers whilst on regular night patrols something, which shows that indeed the police have intensified their policing strategies. The arrested suspects were linked to strings of house breaking and burglary offences occurred in Gaborone and the surrounding villages. During their arrest, the police discovered a blasting gel and other house breaking equipment.
In February this year, the Botswana Police Service (BPS) held a week 45th senior officers annual conference at whichin the end they came up with resolutions towards the improvement of their policing strategies. The conference highlighted several challenges that the BPS is facing, identified performance gaps and appreciated lessons learnt in order to shape future responses.
One might say the resolutions might be starting to taking shape looking at how things have been unfolding in relation to the police arrests of late.
Asked as to comment on the strategies they have been using towards the improvement of policing, BPS spokesperson, assistant commissioner Witness Bosija told Mmegi that they have intensified their visibility on the ground with uniformed and un-uniformed officers, something that seems to be helpful towards the reduction of crime.
He said they have also intensified public education for communities and members of the community have played a significant role in helping the police in terms of policing, as they established that they could not succeed without their support.
“The people who commit crime live amongst them and through our collaborative partnership they made our efforts a bit simple. I urge members of the community to continue helping us and to attend community policing forums to learn more on how they can partner with the police towards the reduction of crime,” Bosija said.
He stated that the stop, question and search strategy has been helpful in which through it when patrolling and their road check ups, searched people and motorists.
He said through this strategy they managed to retrieve illegal things like drugs, house breaking equipments, knives and other harmful equipments, which are usually used when offenses are committed.
He added that they have also improved their surveillance and detection methods at ports of entry and intensified border patrols.